Rush echoed through the Circle Entertainment building as the publication and news team prepared to upload the CCTV footage of Seungcheol in his apartment, complete with the exact time and date.

K-pop star Choi Seungcheol of the boy band Serenity under Circle Entertainment responded to his recent dating scandal.

Circle Entertainment Statement:
After thorough investigation, we have confirmed that the entire photograph in question is edited. Seungcheol (S.Coups) was present in his apartment, working on the album from October 16, 7:00 PM to October 17, 5:00 AM

- The provided footage is authentic, directly from the apartment's security system.
 - We kindly request everyone to refrain from spreading hurtful comments toward the idol.
- Circle Entertainment will fully cooperate with Dispatch in resolving this matter.
Thank you.

The entire room was tense. All eyes were glued to the projector, displaying articles and comments flooding in from the internet.

"Check the comments," commanded Mr. Lee, the leader of the publication and news team. The screen refreshed.

Beepboop:How can we believe this isn't from another day? I mean, the date and time can easily be edited.

Gasps rippled through the room as the first comment appeared.

"This is absolutely rubbish," Seungcheol muttered, his disbelief evident as more comments loaded.

Amy_127:Now they're uploading random footage from another day and expect us to believe it? Nonsense.
Jjk_7:I knew it! S.Coups is no good. He should leave the group rather than try to justify himself with fake CCTV footage. #Leave_Serenity

Eunmi_17: Are you all serious? It's not possible to edit a security system's footage so easily. K-netizens, please use your brains!

Rin.5901:This is ridiculous. Claiming the footage is edited is just grasping at straws. Use logic, people!
Bts_loml:Serenity stans are insane—defending someone like this based on flimsy footage. Have some shame.

And it went on.

The room fell silent. The hateful comments and hashtags flashed on the screen, each one like a dagger to Seungcheol's heart. The hope and excitement that had briefly surged within him vanished, replaced by despair.

"This is a total mess," Jeonghan murmured, glancing at Seungcheol. The group leader, the backbone of *Serenity*, stood frozen in front of the screen, his expression unreadable.

"Hyung—"
"Don't," Seungcheol cut off Mingyu's attempt to console him. "Don't come near me right now."Seungcheol backed away, stumbling until he collided with a chair. His body language screamed of defeat.

"But, hyung..." Wonwoo hesitated, his worry clear as he watched Seungcheol crumble. The strongest member of Serenity, their leader and father figure, looked utterly broken.

"Please," Seungcheol whispered, his voice trembling. "Just... please." Tears welled up in his eyes before he dashed out of the building.

As Seungcheol neared the exit, he froze. Flashing lights and the echo of loud voices filled the air. Paparazzi were gathered outside, their questions sharp and relentless.

"Mr. Choi!"

"Mr. Choi Seungcheol!"

"Sir, is it true—"

"Sir, over here!"

"Seungcheol, answer the rumours!"

His breath quickened. He wasn't prepared for this—not now, not ever. Without his bodyguards, stepping outside would only worsen the chaos. Fumbling for his phone, he dialled a familiar number, his hands trembling as he peeked at the relentless mob.

"Han," he breathed shakily into the phone. "Please, they're here. Help me... Please, Han. Thank you."

Hanging up, Seungcheol pressed himself against the wall, his breaths becoming heavier. His chest tightened as anxiety gripped him, his body trembling under the weight of the reporters' 

taunts.

Not here. Not in front of them. Stay strong, Choi Seungcheol. Steady yourself. But their voices grew louder, suffocating him.

"Cheol," a soft voice called, breaking through the chaos. Seungcheol's teary eyes lifted to see Jeonghan approaching, flanked by bodyguards. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave.

"Han," he croaked, his voice cracking as he staggered toward Jeonghan. Without hesitation, he clung to him, burying his face in Jeonghan's shoulder.

"I can't do this," Seungcheol whispered brokenly. "I can't, Han. It's too much." Jeonghan's heart clenched as he felt Seungcheol's body tremble against him. He knew this situation was dangerous—not just for Seungcheol's career, but for his mental health. Jeonghan rubbed his back gently, casting a sharp glance at the paparazzi.

"Everyone, please step back!" Jeonghan's voice was firm. "Give us space, or security will intervene."

The reporters ignored him, their cameras clicking furiously. "Han..." Seungcheol's voice cracked again. Before Jeonghan could respond, he felt Seungcheol's weight sag against him.

"Cheol?" Jeonghan's eyes widened in panic as Seungcheol fainted, his body collapsing into Jeonghan's arms.

Seungcheol's eyes fluttered open. The faint glow of the hospital room greeted him as he groggily rubbed his face. He slowly sat up, his gaze scanning the room.

On one side of the bed was a glucose IV stand connected to his arm. Across the room, Mingyu and Wonwoo were curled up together on one sofa, while Jeonghan rested on the other, wrapped in a cherry-and-rabbit-printed blanket.

A small smile tugged at Seungcheol's lips despite his exhaustion. He remembered that blanket—a gift from a Carat named Romi. The memories warmed his heart momentarily, but his smile quickly faded.

His gaze lingered on Jeonghan's face, peaceful in sleep. The sight should have brought him comfort, but guilt gnawed at him instead.

They're all here because of me.

His thoughts drifted back to the chaos. The accusations, the flashing lights, the hateful comments. Tears slid down his cheeks as he recalled the reporters' vicious questions.

Why can't they see idols as human? Why do I have to prove my innocence when I've done nothing wrong?

He wanted to scream, to shout, to make the world understand—but he couldn't. The weight of expectations, the public scrutiny—it was all too much.

Wiping his tears, he lay back down, staring at the ceiling. This wasn't his first hospital visit, and it likely wouldn't be his last.

For Seungcheol, this wasn't just a scandal. It was a battle for his sanity.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

[EDITIED] I edited the chapter, the plot is the same but just the writing style :)