Chapter 7
Two weeks had passed since Jaeyel last saw Yang.
Everything had been hectic – shootings, guestings, award show performances. There was barely time to breathe.
And Yang… Yang had been busy too, traveling for business.
After an intense vocal lesson, the group finally had a moment to rest. But while the others chatted and scrolled through their phones, Jaeyel’s mind drifted elsewhere.
Jemin.
It still baffled him. Scandals weren’t uncommon in the industry – plenty of idols had been canceled over controversies and forced to leave their groups.
But something about Jemin’s situation felt… off.
Jaeyel absentmindedly twirled his water bottle in his hands.
Was it really just bad timing?
The incident in the hallway played in his mind again. Jaehwan had said that Jemin had a reputation for bullying rookie idols who got too much attention, so why had the company only acted now?
And more importantly… why did the company only act after Jemin set his sights on him?
Jaeyel knew now that Yang had seen what happened.
The thought sat heavy in his chest. Was Jemin’s downfall just a coincidence or…
He shook his head.
No. He was overthinking. He had to be.
Still, the uneasy feeling wouldn’t go away.
Jaeyel was on his way to the practice room when he noticed a group of staff members rushing past him. Their hurried footsteps and hushed voices caught his attention.
“I didn’t know the CEO was coming back today.”
“Yeah, it’s earlier than expected.”
Jaeyel stopped in his tracks, his gaze following the staff as they disappeared down the hall.
Yang is here.
For a moment, he stood still, thinking.
Then, instead of continuing toward the practice room, he changed direction.
The closer he got to the executive floor, the more nervous he became. This was the first time he was going to Yang on his own.
Despite having… ehem intimate moments together, those lingering touches, the way Yang kissed him every chance he got – Jaeyel had never once sought him out himself.
And no matter what was going on between them, Yang was still the CEO. If anyone saw a rookie idol walking into his office unannounced, it would raise questions.
As he neared Yang’s office, he passed the large meeting room. The transparent glass walls allowed him to see inside, though the conversations within were muted.
He wasn’t paying much attention at first – until something made him pause.
Yang was inside.
Jaeyel slowed down, debating whether to wait for the meeting to end.
But just as he took a step closer, Yang’s secretary moved, setting down a tray of coffee.
The movement revealed the person sitting beside Yang.
A woman.
Jaeyel recognized her instantly – Choi Sera. One of the hottest actresses today.
But… why was she here? She wasn’t even under their company.
Jaeyel’s fingers curled slightly, an odd feeling settling in his stomach.
He wasn’t sure what it was – annoyance? Frustration? Something else?
Either way, it made his feet step back.
After a brief hesitation, he turned around and walked away, deciding not to go to Yang after all.
Jaeyel sat in the corner of the practice room, lost in thought.
The image of Yang and Choi Sera sitting together in the meeting room lingered in his mind, making his chest feel heavy.
A long sigh broke through his thoughts.
Jaeyel blinked and looked up, only to find Minseo standing over him, arms crossed, an all-too-familiar knowing look on his face.
“What?” Jaeyel asked, feigning nonchalance.
Minseo didn’t answer right away.
Instead, he plopped down in front of him, meeting his gaze head-on. “You’ve got something on your mind.”
His voice was firm, but then he leaned back with a small shrug. “I won’t ask, though. You won’t tell me anyway.”
Jaeyel exhaled, unsure how to respond.
Minseo was right.
“So instead…” Minseo grinned, nudging Jaeyel’s leg with his foot. “Let’s go get a good snack. My treat.”
Jaeyel blinked at the unexpected offer before a small smile crept onto his lips. He appreciated Minseo’s thoughtfulness.
“Let’s just grab a frappe and head straight home,” Jaeyel suggested, standing up and stretching. “We can continue practice tomorrow.”
Minseo’s face lit up. “Sounds good to me.”
He turned to the others. “We’re leaving first!”
The other members immediately groaned in protest, throwing playful complaints their way as Jaeyel and Minseo laughed, grabbing their things and heading out.
Jaeyel and Minseo made their way to the parking lot, chatting and laughing between sips of their frappes.
The night air was cool, and for the first time that day, Jaeyel felt lighter.
He sipped his frappe, letting the laughter between him and Minseo ease the weight on his mind.
It felt nice – just a normal moment, away from everything else.
Then, Minseo’s steps faltered.
His laughter faded as he came to a stop.
“Again?” he muttered under his breath.
Jaeyel, still mid-sip, frowned. “Huh?”
Following Minseo’s gaze, his breath hitched.
…
There, standing a few feet away, was Yang.
