#yeoumopi (1)

[anexthetxc]

"What are you holding? It looks dangerous."

@yeoumopi

[anexthetxc]

Soobin composed herself well by the time she was in the van, back to normal. It was good to see Alex enjoying himself, but that distance had her narrowing her eyes. For someone who made such a big deal about him showing up as a surprise, he was sure making the effort to stay away from her. It's not like they were roommates or anything.

"Wow. Flies all the way out of the country and he's avoiding me," she sarcastically said out loud in the van, peeking at him where he sat towards the back with the other guys while she stuck with the girls, who giggled at her comment. It was all teasing fun by then, back to her joking ways.

She was invited to go out, but for once, Soobin actually passed. "I'm exhausted. We have the whole day tomorrow to have fun, I think I'll actually sleep tonight," she said with a small shrug. After doing a thorough examination of her hotel room, of course, in case Alex had gotten there before rehearsal and was trying to prank her.

Oh, that was priceless.

Alex had been aware that he had an effect on others; he was charming young man that his mother was proud of, despite being a little troubled with his past. It had been a while since he felt this exhilaration, the game of cat and mouse that had the possibility of blurring the line between friendship and perhaps something more. He was a teenager when his first love ended up breaking his heart, but they were kids then.

He knew now, and he supposed he'd thank his own fate that Soobin had not met him in the previous lifetime. But the questions still hung in the air like the Sword of Damocles. Would she hate him if she found out what his past had been like? Would she see him differently - dangerous like those from his past painted him to be? The memories were clear as day; a vivid replay of the plagues he and his family of that past had gone through.

He put those thoughts aside and decided to be in the present. He animatedly chattered with the guys, exchanging jokes and playful shoving as he rode with the crew to the hotel. He sat with the guys, keeping distance from Soobin like he normally did.

[anexthetxc]

Soobin rolled her eyes when she heard him curse. "Oh, yeah. How were your finals?" she asked after tying up her laces, the question more so an afterthought because she didn't want to seem like a bad friend, but she was also preoccupied with her own thoughts that she'd forgotten to ask.

Though, she was about to bite back another snarky comment about his threat, ready to list off the ways she'd assumed he would put her to sleep that night, and then she was gripping the seat of the metal chair and leaning deeper in to it because her roommate was suddenly leaning over her in it.

She blamed it on the adrenaline, but this view of Alex was one she'd never seen before. Soobin swallowed, unable to form the right words (for once) to give back and blinked innocently up at him until he left her there alone. It took a few breaths, a cough to clear her throat, and she was grabbing her bag and heading towards the van to take her back to the hotel, clearly forgetting about the others in her group that wanted to go out.

It was a quick change backstage as soon as it was completely over. The change room could be quite chaotic at this point of every show, so Alex had quickly thrown back his hat, and a fresh set of clothes he brought along. He didn't sweat during the final rehearsal call, but he still liked to feel fresher despite his exhaustion.

He side-eyed at her, eyebrow raised. "What's your point?" And, there was that smug attitude once more. The water felt so great to have at that moment, nearly missing out on the team's plans to go out, though he actually thought he'd want to join them for a bit. "You know damn well why I had to be an understudy." There was no way she didn't know, right? The obvious answer was that he couldn't commit to the entire tour, due to his final exams and projects. Teaching dance classes sure paid some of his expenses, but that tuition fee was as conditional as his entire stay in Korea. He'd have to return home at some point, surely.

They were suddenly a little bit more secluded from the group now, and Alex towered over her for a bit, that cocky smirk taunting her once more. "Of course, a bit late for you to take it back, isn't it?" He leaned close to her, allowing for a dramatic pause, and enough to make her nervous.

"Bold of you to assume the director's actually upset losing another dancer." With that, he then stepped back, leaving her behind in whatever thoughts she had.

[anexthetxc]

"I am happy to see you! Just surprised!"

There wasn't much room for talking, and Soobin did want to prove herself as a professional that she dedicated her focus to her dancing. That high from performing lasted through the show, that focus only seeming to lapse when she and Alex were partnered up and it was a little hard not to reel in how tightly they held each other, even if the routine was for a few seconds. Professional. They were just dancing.

Even after four shows, Soobin decided she'd never get used to the applause at the end and the rush at the end of the performance. While she knew the fans weren't there for her, it was still exhilarating.

Backstage was where she could really stare at her roommate. She was wiping sweat from her forehead while the crew started to pack up, unfocused at the team making plans to go out since they had the next day off to rest before flying out the day after.

"So...understudy, huh?" she mused. "You did good out there. Knew you could dance, just rarely see it happen. But should I expect you to murder me tonight, because you've sort of threatened me a few times in the last couple of days and I think the director would appreciate being warned if he's about to lose another of his dancers," Soobin added, sitting in a nearby chair to remove her stage shoes and replace them with her own more comfortable ones. "And yes, Alex. I am happy you're here, of course. I did miss you."

The show must go on - Alex was actually nervous how this was going to turn out. He never danced with her ever, and even if their classes overlapped, he was always with another person whom he was able to adapt with. He was flawless as a performer, but he hated being in the spotlight and always kept to the background when the team gathered post-show or post-performance.

Alex teased further. "Damn, I'm hurt," he spoke in each time they passed each other. The moments were fleetingly short as their formations called for separation and reunion in the same time frame; a dance between the two of them rather than several pairs of dancers.

"Screw your plants," he teased. Maybe it was a bit overboard but there was no way she would actually act up and break out of character. He still had the same smirk, although this time, it was more challenging than mean and cold.

"I can't believe I flew out here and you don't even look happy to see me."

[anexthetxc]

Soobin was stretching out her arms while everyone gathered backstage. Her partner had looked rather low energy during rehearsal, and it had her nervous that he wouldn't be able to perform. When he disappeared, panic ensued, but quickly resolved with a promise an understudy would come in his place.

"What understudy? Every one of us is here," she sighed, shaking her head and deciding the show must go on regardless and whoever took their place at least knew what they were doing.

To see Alex suddenly appear dressed in the stage costume, her eyes went wide. There was fear, only for a brief second, wondering just how it was he planned on following through on his threat. It then turned in to confusion, then anger, then a bit of amusement, her expression changing like a confused puppy.

"If you're here...then who's watching my plant?" was about all she got out before the music started and she had to take an extra second to glare at him, then quickly fall in to her routine. Despite the pair of them being roommates and working at the same company, Soobin had made a point to keep work and their personal lives separate, therefore, she'd never danced with him before. Actually, it was rare she'd ever seen him dance other than the times their classes overlapped at the studio. To say she was surprised and impressed? It was actually easy to fall in to the routine without having to worry about how it appeared -- it was flawless.

Alex headed to a nearby temple first. He was by far not that spiritual, but he figured it would be the best place to obtain lucky charms. He got himself a set of two - one he could keep, the other for Soobin. She needed all the luck in the world to make it. Being picked to be in the tour was only the beginning. Success, he believed, was half luck, and 100% hard work.

He had a light lunch, rested a bit more then headed out to the venue where they would be performing. The best part of being acquainted with everyone was that he could get the troupe to back him up if he asked. Now was a good time to call that favour - a little hush hush among their peers since he wanted Soobin to be surprised.

Then again, the rest of the group weren't surprised by this. They knew Soobin and Alex had been awfully close, and yet they could be mistaken as a couple. The pair often denied it, and Alex made it sure that he kept his distance from her as possible. His guy friends understood.

Call time was at two; while the stage manager wasn't all too pleased, Soobin was left with a different partner during practice, but Alex stayed in the wings until showtime. At showtime, he was dressed for the occasion, only showing when it was time for his cohort to make themselves known on stage.

"Miss me still?" His whisper was low, drowned in the background of the noise with smirk.

[anexthetxc]

Soobin had a total of two hours of freedom before she had to be back at the stadium for rehearsal. Since the show was a duplicate of the night before, it wouldn't have to be as intense and she spent it, as Alex guessed, with the group trying street foods and getting her fill of something more local than the catered in meals.

[text: roomie] the show starts at 7 but rehearsal is at 2

[text: roomie] make sure your mother is comfortable on the flight that way we can hang out when she gets here. excited to finally meet her!

Soobin didn't spend that much time on her phone and took the time to enjoy her small break. While she wasn't actively thinking about Alex, she was still picking up little snacks to bring home to him. Then it was back to the stadium, where fans were already stacking up outside.

Tokyo was only a few hours, and he had a place to stay; it had been a while since he'd been at that big city, but once he'd settled into his apartment, he napped for a little bit. When he woke up, he had gone to the nearest convenience store, stocking up on supplies, and more importantly, coffee packets that he could bring along. Of course, with how big the city was, Alex knew that the chances of him running into her were close to nil, especially knowing that Soobin would rather stick with the group than explore. He'd let her imagination run wild first - it was as fair a payback for her being a brat.

[text:] when did you say the second show would start? [text:] i don't remember exactly what the schedule is like [text:] not supposed to be texting so i'm sending this on wifi [text:] perks of a 10+ hour flight

Oh, you are such a fucking liar, Alex, he thought to himself. Of course he knew like the back of his hand; he'd just been calculating how much time he still had before rehearsal, and if he still could afford to splurge a little bit before they flew out to their next city.

[anexthetxc]

[text: roomie] you're bringing your mom to the LA show? That's actually sweet

[text: roomie] I've actually wanted to meet her! I'll be on my best behavior

With the first show in Tokyo done, Soobin forced herself to head to the hotel early to sleep so she could be well enough rested for the second day. Still, even the forced rest wasn't enough to get her to sleep and she mindlessly was scrolling through her phone when the picture popped up.

"Oh, just her back...can't tell if they look alike," she mumbled, trying to zoom in on the picture. "I don't know what he thinks he's gonna make me regret. What, knowing him he's probably going to drop sleeping pills in my latte." Soobin rolled her eyes and shoved her phone under her pillow, a desperate attempt to close her eyes and actually fall asleep.

Alex visited his mother first; he finished his finals, a sigh of relief as he lounged around his mother's sofa. He figured, since they had the same early flight, it was a wise choice to spend the night at her hotel room, sleeping at the spare bedroom suite she rented for her stay. The mother and son duo had small talks in passing, though it was mostly his mother who had been bugging him about having a girlfriend. Alex's relationship with his mother wasn't always as open as it seemed now - she grieved for the loss of her son in that world, only to come back to life - it was a conversation that heavy and private, but a foundation to their new beginnings.

"Didn't you say your roommate was a girl?"

"Yes, Mother dearest."

"Why haven't you introduced her?"

"Mother, you know we're just friends."

"Just be careful, okay? I know you've been hurt before."

"I know, Mom. But I sent her a picture of the food you dropped off the other day. She asked me to ask you for extra." Of course, this gained him an eyeroll from his mother, only to be nagged lovingly that he should have brought her along. Though, the older woman understood how private her son was; she left it at that.

As dawn arrived, Alex was roused by his mother to catch their early flight. He parted ways with a sweet goodbye hug, and was reminded to text her when he'd arrived. Before he boarded, he sent a picture of the terminal, but it had no indication of where he might be going. He followed up however, with a picture of his mother's luggage, her back side in view.

[text:] regret all that you said [text:] I guess I'll see you for the LA show

[anexthetxc]

By the time she'd gotten to his messages, her rehearsal outfit was soaked in sweat and she was loading up a plate with catered food, trying to energize herself back up for the rest of the evening that hadn't even started yet.

[text: roomie] hey good to know you're still alive

[text: roomie] regret what? honestly I was wound up, hyper...of course I wasn't going to sleep what am I supposed to take back the pillow smothering thing or the threat that you'd actually fly to Japan to make your point

He must be closing in on finals by now. Soobin realized then she'd never actually given him any good wishes on his work, feeling a little bad. A few months ago before the tour offer, she'd actually meant to cook better meals for him and help him study where she could. She'd have to find a way to make it up to him when she returned home.

Oh, she really might just regret it. Though, after practice, he went the straight home, slept through Soobin's messages - ones that he didn't open until he had finished his second draft for his English essay; as much as he liked and tolerated his roommate, she still didn't make it to his list of super important people who can interrupt him during his crunch time. Though, if she were to get injured during the tour, he'd be ready. The next forty-eight hours of his schedule leading up to the day he would fly out, had been routinely and intensive - two final exams, a submitted project, two hours with his mother ( who also had been insistent on seeing him off ) and practicing in between. He was only thankful that lectures ended just before Soobin left for the tour. Busy was an understatement.

It was just before he had taken is second final exam that he got a message from one of guys who were part of the tour, needing to return home since there were a few who were subbing. It was understandable, the tour was extremely demanding for newbies, and they still required the experience of mentors who had some experience travelling with a troupe. Alex was not necessarily extremely experienced, nor was he the opposite either. He just didn't mind.

Of course, by the time he flew, the group had already landed in Tokyo. They had two shows there, he'd make it on time just before the second show.

[text:] sorry. i've been busy. [text:] i meant to text back, but i had exams [text:] you sure you won't regret what you said like 2 days ago? [text:] this is your chance to take it back [text:] just saying

[anexthetxc]

"See you tomorrow, flight booked, yeah right --" The promptness of him hanging up before she'd even finished her sentence and she was staring at her screen reflection. Scoffing, though still grinning because of course he'd hung up, she tossed her phone on the nightstand and rolled around her bed hoping to expel some of her energy and make herself tired enough to fall asleep.

Like she'd believed him. Soobin didn't think Alex would actually show up with the amount of school work he had going on. With her roommate back to his usual, closed off self, she relaxed knowing he was at least normal again and was able to eventually doze off.

The next morning and they were off on another flight and another venue. Soobin was back in her split stretch during their break, ready for the second half of rehearsal. She'd at least sent another picture to Alex of her pracitcing.

[text: roomie] day #2 of tour and everything hurts but that's chill because I'm having fun

"Fine, go for a run. I don't know." He really needed to practice, and she was stalling his practice start. Whenever she was this hyper, he'd since learned to sleep through the noise when she banged every pot and pan at home; some days he really hated her for doing that, not when he often had long days juggling school, dance and even his monthly doctor's appointments.

"I just might. Let's see... you guys would be in Shanghai right now... I can get to the next flight tomorrow at noon-- oh, look. My ticket's booked." Did he really do that? Yes, he did. But of course, his flight wasn't actually within the next 24 hours, but rather in four days' time since she left, because he still needed to write a final exam, and submit his final projects. The sooner he got them done, the sooner his mother would also leave, and that also allowed little time between them to spend together.

"See you tomorrow, Soobin." Of course, he hung up. He didn't mean to be rude to cut her off, but he was falling behind in choreography; the group was two days in to the tour, and by the time he finished everything school-related, they'd be at least halfway or more for the tour. He had a lot to catch up on, plus the continue the choreographies he had to teach the beginners class before he left. Of course, if he left. He was an understudy after all - only few of those in the advance classes knew that.

[anexthetxc]

Ah, there was the roommate she knew and loved. Soobin's eyes narrowed through the screen, sly grin coming across her features at the return of his personality and sharp words that were blunt and direct.

"Sleep? I don't want to sleep! You know when I'm high energy like this I can't sleep!" Too many post practice performances and she suddenly had the urge to cook in the middle of the night and banged every pot and pan in their apartment trying some random recipe she found online that always failed at three in the morning. Though, this wasn't home, this was two weeks of work. He had a point. She needed to rest.

Soobin slumped forward on the bed and rested her chin on her arm, glaring at him over the screen. "Or what? Gonna come over here and make me sleep or something?" she joked. "Smother me with a pillow?"

Alex wasn't sure if Soobin is just that gifted with timing, or he was just always unlucky. He planned to practice her group's choreography, but of course, just his luck, she'd called just as he's barely started his own practice. "What do you want?" he deadpanned in the most classic Alex-only way. He's not annoyed, but he really was hoping to be uninterrupted for that session.

Of course, he's tired mentally, all he wanted was to blow off some steam. She talked for a solid five minutes ( it felt more and forever ) and he didn't even get a word in. He's well-aware she'd be running on that showtime high post-performance but it was amazing how she still had that energy; if he were in her shoes, he'd crash until the next morning. "Well, looks like your first show just went without a hitch. Shouldn't you be resting?" He quickly calculated the current time there - oh, she was so lucky he wasn't there to nag at her.

"Go to sleep."

[anexthetxc]

Soobin was laying in her hotel bed after the concert ended, her very first. It had been absolutely exhausting, but she'd never felt more passionate about her job in her entire life and was still riding that high despite the ache in her joints.

Seeing Alex's text made her grin. The combination of her secretly missing him and excitement from her days work, she'd been unable to resist the urge of blabbing about her day and facetimed him. She just hoped he'd actually picked up -- the dance studio should be empty at this time of night.

"It was amazing!" she said without him even asking. Soobin rolled on her stomach and balanced the phone against the headboard, immediately talking with her hands and nonstop going over the concert, including the ending with the applause filling the stadium. She talked for a solid four minutes. "I know I'm just a backup dancer, but I've never felt energy like that before!"

He finished his first draft after three excruciating hours of figuring out what to actually write for his final paper - a painful recollection featured about the how mythos varied and are reintegrated in stories time and time again - all to be interpreted differently according to the societal norms in which a story is set. It was honestly a borderline a paper for a sociology class, or even a psychology class, depending on which lens one examined the topic. He really wished he had Apollo to critique his essay and give him feedback.

As he powered off his laptop, Alex had decided he needed to let out some steam. The dance studio should be empty by this time, or at least there'd be an available room once the beginner classes have finished. It was past nine by the time he finished a quick shower and headed out to the studio not long after.

He stretched his own muscles, sending a selfie at Soobin - face hidden behind tousled white-streaked black hair.

[text:] just because i'm not part of the tour doesn't mean i skip practices :P

[anexthetxc]

Soobin sighed reading his messages. She doubted any extra food his mom made would survive the trip home and she'd never see it.

[text: roomie] I am taking care of myself look

She sent him a picture of her holding up a peace sign while still in her split position, casually sitting in the middle of the rest of the dancers during their practice.

[text: roomie] even though I'm tired I'm having a great time. we're all working really hard there's a lot more down time than I thought we're just trapped at the stadium and can't leave so...I can't help you with your paper, though. my english is terrible

The choreographer called out her name, drawing her attention away from her phone.

[text: roomie] but work does call I'll get back to you later

Alex somehow wished he just skipped class, but considering his mother wanted him to get a better education, he could not afford to flunk it. Why did English have to be so hard? He was fluent with the language, bilingually skilled and yet... Sigh.

Think, AJ, think.

[text:] ugh fine. i'll ask my mom for an extra serving.

This was weird. His mom was pretty much considered 'absent' for the time being, since she respected his own wishes to try living independently. Not to mention she was often based in LA, at least fifteen thousand miles in distance. It just so happened that she remained visiting and would not be flying out until he finished his final exams.

[text:] if it's too much for you make food for either of us, stop [text:] just take care of yourself

This was not how he wanted this conversation to go; he already knew he fucked up.

[anexthetxc]

[text: roomie] I didn't go to college don't ask me for help

[text: roomie] stick to dancing it pays the bills without the torture of the added education

Soobin lay with her legs spread in a casual split on the floor in a stretch while the rest of the dancers were practicing their positions. She bent forward at the waist, grinning down at her phone and reading over the messages, not wanting to admit that she was missing Alex and his weirdness.

[text: roomie] I'll bring you snacks but I'm done making you or buying you meals until you bring home your mothers cooking for me it's been ages since I've had a good homemade meal

[text:] alright, that's my mom we're talking about here. [text:] it's because i eat a lot and none of it makes it home [text:] i'm a growing boy okay

Okay, that actually stung. He could cook, he knew how to. It was just that Soobin always beats him to it. Maybe he should ask his mom for extra portions next time, if she visited.

[text:] why are words hard?

He sent her a photo of his blank screen, finishing a final assignment for English class ( reminiscent of Apollo's creative writing classes ), thinking that now would have been a good time to ask for his help. He was good at literature stuff.

[anexthetxc]

Soobin waited for a reponse. After six hours of silence, she figured Alex was back to his introverted, shut off self and shrugged as she continued on with her work trip. Though, it wasn't much of a trip as it was immediately running to the stages to rehearse and every so often getting a small break to stretch.

[text: roomie] funny how your mom never sends food when I'm home and I'm the only supplying meals to feed your endless pit of a stomach

She sent along a picture of the catered in food she'd be surviving off of the next two weeks, with exception to the three days they had between shows. Probably the only chance she'd get to really enjoy her trip, but even through the hard work, she was glowing with her work.

It had been a few hours since he saw her off, and Alex had hit the books by that time. While driving home, he'd briefly called his mother, thanking her for allowing him to borrow a car. He preferred driving a bike, but he'd been saving for that himself. Anyway, he had to study because he could not miss his final exam. He was going to be part of that tour too, much to Soobin's unknowing, but school also mattered. Those college tuition fees don't come cheap after all.

He had a few hours to get to class, twenty-four hours later, and that was when he'd finally gotten to that notification. Alex smiled fondly, knowing that she had arrived safely was good. He texted back, sending a picture of his morning commute.

[text:] off to class. make sure you have a proper meal today.

The rest of the day had become routine, as if Soobin had not left, but Alex had to admit, he actually missed Soobin's loud callouts by the door. Then again, maybe it was just because he'd been so used to it that her two week disappearance was like quitting a bad habit cold turkey with zero heads up.

[text:] my mom sent some food. you're missing out.

[anexthetxc]

Soobin waved at him one last time before she'd disappeared in to the crowds. Too much excitement in the woman for her to focus on the busy airport and irritated families around them, thoughts gone from home and looking forward to spending time with her group. She'd almost forgotten to send Alex her text until they were close to pulling away.

[text: roomie] we're about to leave!

Along with a selfie of her cuddled with a neck pillow, peace sign, and holding up the cookies he'd gotten her, she'd turned her phone off and finally let herself calm down in to taking a nap for the duration of the flight.

[text: roomie] we landed

Another selfie, this time the cookie box empty and a thumbs up sign with a half hearted smile considering she'd woken up from a hard sleep.

Alex spotted some of the guys on the tour, nodding at them with acknowledgment while he watched Soobin reunite with the other girls in the troupe with much excitement and glee. He remembered the excitement he had on his first tour bittersweetly, before all hell after another broke loose. He understood. Soobin worked so hard, and he knew she earned that spot fair and square.

He surprisingly didn't freeze this time at the hug - a temporary farewell. After all, he wasn't averse to hugs. Soobin was just type of person to give people hugs. He patted her back, awkwardly attempting to return the sentiment with a hum. It wasn't that it was hard to express himself - he did that well through dance. He wasn't always bad at words; he'd just been hurt and a little more afraid, perhaps a little too cautious, to be trusting of anyone fully. "It's fine, really."

Two weeks to in ten different cities, and still a possibility of him taking part as an understudy should any of the touring members need to go back earlier before the end of the tour. Only he'd seen the group pass through security did he finally make his way home.

[text:] let me know when you're boarding soon.

[anexthetxc]

"No, I'm watching a unicorn appear. You're being intentionally nice to me."

Though choosing not to question it, Soobin allowed herself to enjoy a bit more of the rightful spoiling and princess treatment all the way to the airport while she sipped on her latte. At one point during the ride she'd held one of the cookies to Alex's mouth while he drove and airplaned the food until he finally ate it.

The excitement of seeing the other dancers all ready to go, and with Alex's permission, she ran forward smiling and giving some of the girls a big hug as they celebrated their first tour together. Her dance partner seemed to be absent, but since it was still early, she didn't think too much about it.

She went back to Alex one last time to grab her luggage, about to thank him for personally driving her when he stopped her. This time it didn't feel so weird at him being nice, Soobin was beginning to understand that it just wasn't easy for him to express himself. She gave him another hug. "I really will miss you," she admitted. "Two weeks, then I'll be home for a little break. I'll bring you snacks."

"Don't look at me like I grew horns on my head," he scoffed upon his return, and handed her a latte along with a small paper bag of goodies ( tarts and cookies mostly ) she could munch on while she waited to board her flight. The box was compactly small, he figured she could stash it in her luggage for check-in. He'd travelled enough to know that snacks or any drinks out in the open would not pass through initial security.

Admittedly, her confusion was a little amusing. "I guess, since you're going out of town. It's like when your co-workers are suddenly nice when you leave a company," he continued to drive, subtly sneaking glances at her all the while. Part of him wonders though, what she could be thinking. Not that he cared actually at this point. Alex often spoke with a borderline mean manner, though his intentions weren't always ill. If anything, he always meant well. He's working on that part still, returning to the sweet personality he initially had as a pre-teen.

Despite the detour, they were still early at the airport. Or perhaps they have yet to locate the rest of the team. Which should not be hard to do. If he was honest to himself, he was stalling. Besides, he wanted to give her something akin to a lucky charm. "Go," he nudged her to walk ahead of him, pulling her luggage. He debated whether he should give the gift to her already, but decided against it.

Their colleagues were within range, so he reached out to her arm first, momentarily stopping on the side. "Take care of yourself. Always look around you. Be safe. You don't have to call me all the time. You'll do great."