Dad Joke of the day: How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.

------------------------------

Before weighing the consequences, he neared in and seized Somin by the arm, his other hand was in the air. Before he could do more, she jerked him away and smacked his cheek with all the strength she could muster.

When Mia was told about the situation, her stomach lurched in panic as she ran quickly to booth 7. She stepped in and was one of the few people to witness Somin's sharp slap on one of her most well-off customers. She saw the leader shout at Somin in horror. Mia's head was spinning as she ran forward and yanked her cousin away. Somin yelled, "Mia, what bastards are you serving here--"

"Get away." Mia hissed. Once she was sure that both of them were at a safe distance, she demanded an explanation while signaling the guards from the corner of her eye.

Jiseok's face was still twitching. His cheek stung as he stared at Somin in shock. His deal partners were astonished too, not only his self-esteem was hurt he still couldn't believe she'd dared to hit him in a room full of people.

"He was trying to harass her, Mia! Don't you keep any check on your customers?"

Jiseok snarled. "You little piece of--" He charged at Somin again but one of the guards pushed him back. He glared at Somin, his mind was still fuzzy from all the drinking.

Saebyul nervously tugged on Somin's shirt, a little afraid that the younger girl might hit her too. She'd already informed their manager and received a message that she was waiting outside.

-

It was four in the morning but everybody was wide awake in the small living room of Aurora's dorm. Manager Nancy was pacing back and forth, screaming at Somin every once in a while. Rio was terrified, shaking like a leaf in a corner. Their sales manager, Mr. Lee was on his way.

Manager Nancy stomped her feet. "Somin, why don't you ever think with your head!"

She scoffed, "I don't see why you're getting so worked up about this."

"There were cameras there. There were people who saw you. This is the time when you need to build your image. Do you have any idea how much there going to babble about it everywhere!"

"Yes, and you should be proud of it." Somin tried to reason. "I'm not one of those--"

The doorbell rang. Ariya rushed and invited Mr. Lee. He was still in his night suit, his eyes were red and looked like he'd just been woken up. "What is it, what happened? Is everyone okay?"

"I'm going to use the washroom," Somin muttered, getting up. Her manager forced her back on the seat. "Don't you try to wiggle out of this situation. Get back there."

Manager Nancy briefed him over the situation. It didn't take long to have another person lecturing Somin.

Jae rubbed her eyes as she filled a glass of water and offered it to her manager, trying to calm her down. "I mean, I'd like to know, what was going on in your mind? In a public place, full of rich people you thought it was okay to yell and hit a man, double your age?"

Somin gasped, "Why don't you people understand it? That son of a bitch was trying to take advantage of Rio, would you rather have her harassed--"

"Did Rio ask you to defend her?"

Everyone looked at the maknae, who's face was tear-stained. "N-no. I'm thankful of unnie for saving me but I think she shouldn't have slapped--"

Somin turned from her seat in disbelief. "Seriously? You're the one I was worried about. I defended you. You're the only one I was expecting to root for me. How could you even say that?"

Rio fell silent again guiltily. She felt stuck in between her conscience and duty call.

"You could have just informed the security. They would have taken care of the situation smoothly." Mr. Lee said.

"He touched me too."

"You guys should be tracking him down, sue him for his actions," Somin said indignantly. "But no. Everybody loves to scold me."

He sighed. "Never in my entire career, have I encountered somebody as troublesome as you, Nam Somin. Even before debut and that's saying something! I'm actually scared what you'll do after your debut--"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. You're exaggerating."

Rio sobbed, "This is all my fault!"

Manager Nancy groaned in annoyance. She clutching her hair tightly. But the sales manager was in better condition. "What about the club management?"

Saebyul sighed. "Thankfully they've promised that no footage or information will be revealed by their employees. Any CCTV recording will be highly confidential."

"That's good news." He nodded.

"I talked to the club owner." The manager massaged her forehead. "She told me that this man's membership card is terminated meaning he will no longer have access." She paused for a second, facing Somin. "I think I should get your membership terminated too, tonight was too much."

Somin threw a frustrated glance at her bandmates for help. Jae was throwing in the bin, her hangover starting to show its effects. Saebyul looked almost sick with tension and Ariya was constantly reloading the news feed to check for any leaked pictures or videos.

"What about the people who were present at the scene?" Manager Nancy voiced out.

Somin let out a strangled voice from her throat. "Why are all of you treating it as a crime?"

"Because you need to know what you can do in public as an Idol and what you can't!" The manager blew up. Mr. Lee ran to her side trying to make her sit down.

"I defended myself, that's all!" Somin exclaimed, getting up from her seat.

"You won't even accept your mistake!" Her manager was shaking.

"That's because I did nothing wrong." She turned around. "And I'm done with this interrogation!"

She took large, angry steps to her room, shared with Jae. All I wanted was to enjoy before our debut, why does nothing ever go the way I planned? Not that she regretted hitting that man because he definitely deserved it, but there was still a small amount of fear in her chest that her actions might blow up their debut too. Her bandmates would kill her if that happened. No, before that her manager and agency executives would kill her.

As they'd made their way back to the dorm, Somin had constantly texted Mia to tell her who that man actually was. Mia always knew about her customers but she knew how to hide their identities well too because it was confidential information. But after Somin's persuasion, she'd revealed only his name and job.

Suddenly her phone starting ringing up. Somin saw Sooyoung's face flash up on her screen, and just for a minute, she believed that she might get some support from her best friend. "Hey." She mumbled, entering the washroom.

Sooyoung's thrilling voice rushed through her phone. "Oh my god Som, I'm so sorry for calling this late but why weren't you replying to my texts?!" Before Somin could open her mouth, her friend continued. "That's okay, nevermind. I've been starving to tell you who is going to be my husband for the variety show--"

"Sooyoung," Somin whispered. "I fucked up big this time."

She stopped. There was silence for a minute before she asked, "What happened this time?"

Somin sighed. "I--I don't know where to start. I was at the club and . . . there was a man, I got into a fight with him. I said a lot of things that were, I guess, too much. And then I-uh- ended up slapping him."

"Are you crazy?"

So much for support, Somin thought bitterly. "He totally had it coming! he was such a pervert--"

She intervened. "Was he someone well-known? You know these rich people, they can't stand it of someone corrects them."

Somin sighed. "Mia wouldn't tell me much but--" Suddenly an idea popped in her mind. Mia had said he worked in SM Ent. Sooyoung works there too! she just remembered. Maybe she could tell him about this person and help her shut him up about the incident. Pumped up, she continued, "He works in your agency."

Sooyoung gaped, "Seriously? Tell me about it."

"I don't know a lot. Not even his exact job honestly. But you have to promise to stay silent about this."

"Of course. Come on, there must be something?"

"Umm . . I think Mia said his name was Choi Jiseok and--"

"What?" Sooyoung asked in a weird tone. "Come again?"

"I'm not really sure who he is--" Somin answered.

"Choi Jiseok, you said?" Sooyoung's voice was shaky this time. "Yeah?" Somin had a feeling that talking about this was getting her more nervous, and things were getting out of hand. "Somin, you idiot, he's my manager!"

She laughed unbelievably. "Holy shit, you kidding me?"

"He's 44, tall with blackish-grey hair, right? That's my sales manager. What did you do to him?! He's such a nice person---"

Somin hung up, not wanting to have another heart attack tonight. Shit, shit, shit. Why is it that whenever I go to that wretched place, I end up coming across someone I never want to see again?

Oh my god, did I just slap Red Velvet's manager three days before my debut?

Slowly, she made her way back to the living room and found everyone as tense as she's left them. This time, Somin felt bad about it. She fought with herself if she should tell this fresh piece of information to others but there was a big probability that this night could be her last.

Mr. Lee was saying to Saebyul, "Can you explain to me how he looked like? The sooner we find out about his identity, the sooner Cube Ent. can take an action."

"What will you do?" The leader asked fearfully.

"Maybe come to terms with him to shut up about it. Offer him money or something. . . "

Wow, first he gets to have fun with a girl forcefully, then he is offered money to stay quiet about his own filthy acts? Somin was marveled at the way these people were thinking. Morals were not even taken into count.

She seated herself in the comfortable armchair, thinking how to start. She bit her lip and looked at Manager Nancy who was laying her head back on the couch though she was frowning. "His name is Choi Jiseok." Everyone stopped dead in their track. "He works at SM."

It wasn't that difficult to say. But maybe because she'd said it looking at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes. Somin had purposefully left the newest bit of information. She was going to let them discover it themselves, prolonging the time when she'd actually be in trouble.

Mr. Lee felt his legs shaking after he heard her confession. He gulped hard and settled on the stool beside the coffee table. What was I thinking when I signed to accept managing this group?
"That man is impossible to come to terms with." He muttered quietly.

Manager Nancy sprang from her seat "Do you know him?"

"Of course, he is Red Velvet's manager."

How did he know?  Somin looked at him in shock. Shit, how could I forget he worked at SM before! They must be colleagues. Saebyul wailed in exasperation and Rio's hiccups got louder. Manager Nancy whipped at Somin. "SM Ent. is one of our big investors, and they have been very gracious with us for the last few years. We can't even take any action against them!" She stated. "I shouldn't have trusted you in the first place!"

Mr. Lee stood up again, "I'm sorry but I would have to take this to the higher-ups. It's not a matter you and I could solve. Tomorrow, Somin will come with me to the Head office. We'll see how to handle the situation."

Somin nodded tiredly, her head was starting to hurt. Her dress was uncomfortable too. Avoiding everyone's gaze, she excused herself to her room, wishing she'd never insisted on going to Vibe in the first place at all, just to see someone.

-

The sun shone brightly on her shades as she entered the huge brown building owned by Cube Ent. It was stylishly furnished and Somin felt nostalgic coming here. This was the place where she'd done her training. She'd been in awe when she auditioned the first time and after she got accepted, this was where she had met all those celebrities she had only seen on the screen before. But I have a feeling today isn't going to be so memorable.

Somin was accompanied by Mr. Lee and Manager Nancy only. They had asked her to wait outside as they entered a small conference room on the second floor which she reckoned had more managers and supervisors to talk about it the whole matter. As she looked around, she saw a group of well-dressed guys making their way through the brightly illuminated hallway, rushing somewhere.

She looked closely and realized it was BTOB. They were her seniors so she bowed deeply and they smiled at her in return. As Somin straightened her back, she noticed somebody had remained on her side. It was their maknae, Yook Sungjae, grinning broadly at her.

"Hey, how's the debut preparation going?" He asked cheekily.

She made a funny face. "Fantastic. I think it might interest you to know that I might not make it at all."

He frowned. "Why?"

She pointed at the conference room behind her. His mouth formed an 'O' shape. They knew that any discussion in that room didn't lead to a good end. "I'm not even going to ask what happened this time." He chuckled.

She hit his elbow lightly. Sungjae said, "It's been ages since I've seen you around."

Somin nodded, she still remembered how they used to be buddies when she was still a trainee, although he had debuted long ago then. Although she was social, but he'd still been the very first of her friends she had made in Cube Ent. He was a cool, funny guy and her age-mate too. "So. . ." He started, glancing at her carefully. "I remember you mentioning once that you are friends with Red Velvet's Joy."

She nodded her head confusingly. "Yes, why?"

He shrugged, "No it's just that . . . I am coupled with her on We got married."

Somin gasped, clapping her mouth. "You! It's You?"

"I guess so."

"Wow. She tried to tell me so many times but we didn't get the opportunity." She laughed. "That's pretty cool!"

He smiled. "Wouldn't it be awkward though. I don't even know--"

Minhyuk, his bandmate came running back. "Sungjae! Come on, we're waiting for you!"

The maknae nodded quickly. "Somin, we'll talk later! I totally forgot I have a recording to do."

She waved him and returned to brooding on her own. No wonder, Sooyoung was so excited to be paired with him. Who wouldn't want to be the wife of a handsome guy like him? But right now, her life had bigger problems. In half an hour, Manager Nancy's head appeared through the glass door. "Somin, It might take longer. You can go and look around if you want."

As she made her way to the third floor, her phone vibrated again.  All night, she'd received a thousand texts from Sooyoung but Somin didn't want to see any of it. She put her phone back in her pocket and wandered off.

When a loud voice called her, she stopped immediately. "Unnie!" Somin took big steps towards her friend and hugged her.

Hyuna grinned. "Ahh, how come you're here?"

Somin was avoiding the dreaded topic so she just shrugged. "Nothing."  Hyuna insisted on taking her to her practice room for privacy. Since Somin was free so she followed behind. As they reached the huge room, Somin could only look around in awe. They had five members but their practice room was so trashy. It was small to accommodate them properly and the mirrors were dirty. It was hardly as illuminated as this one. Even the stereo system here was advanced.

Hyuna laughed when she noticed her dongsaeng's expression. "You can close that mouth. You'll get everything too one day."

Somin rolled her eyes. "I don't see it coming soon."

Hyuna's smile faded. "But when everything will be yours, you'll find out that you don't want it anymore."

Somin fell silent. She knew her senior was facing a lot of problems. She felt lonely. Somin reached out for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Are you okay?"

She shuddered from her trance and smiled forlornly. "I'm just tired."

"Then rest."

"Tired from this, idiot." She pointed at her surroundings.

Somin wondered how could anyone be tired from this. Hyuna had all the fame she could imagine, all the luxuries of the world and everything Somin could only wish for. Although Hyuna wasn't very open to everyone but Somin and her had bonded one night during her trainee era when they'd both ended up crying and drinking their problems in a bleak storeroom of the same building.

When she failed to reply, Hyuna sighed. "It's getting so painful, you know. My whole life is getting wasted, I feel no purpose anymore."

Somin said convincingly. "Why are you talking like this, unnie? Come on, you were never like this."

"I don't have any control over my facial expressions anymore. They want me to smile even when its the last thing I want to do." Hyuna kept speaking in a slow, monotonous voice. "This is a torture."

Somin looked away. Am I going to end up like this too? Does a few years under the pressure of your agency does this to you? Is that what will become of me? Am I going to drain up like this?

Hyuna sighed deeply. "Anyways, that is not why I brought you here." She cracked a smile. "I heard your title song, it's awesome, Somin! You guys are going to rock."

She grinned. "Thanks."

"So? Just two days, huh?"

Somin smiled, "Yes, I can't wait for it!"

Hyuna's face was enveloped in a wistful smile again. "Somin . . . tell me something."

"Hmm."

"What are your thoughts on this?"

"What?"

"This world we live in. This--this--" Hyuna looked around in disgust. "Everything! I am talking about our jobs, as artists."

Somin chuckled. Look's like somebody is in a really depressed mood right now. "K-pop. . . I think it's a beautiful place. Where talent is discovered, friendships blossom and . . . soulmates unite." She had a dreamy look on her face. Hyuna on the other hand, just stared at her dongsaeng with a weary expression. Then her face broke out in a bitter smile. "Okay."

"Why did you ask?"

"Because I just wanted to know how I used to think when I debuted. I see myself in you Somin, if somebody asked me how I used to be like when I was younger, I'd tell them to go see you. Full of energy and-- and charisma." She paused. "That is why I asked you. Maybe I can relive those days and be happy with my life."

"Unnie, you're seriously scaring me right now," Somin whispered.

Hyuna laughed. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to discourage you like that. It's a new beginning for you . . . and not everyone ends up as fucked up as I did."

Here in front of me, is one of the most famous K-pop artist with a flourishing career and a strong fanbase. But does it all really count when you have no motivation in life? No love, no drama?

Her phone rang and she was about to hang up assuming it was Sooyoung, but thankfully it was just her manager. "Yes, are you done?"

"Somin, where are you! Do you have any idea what's happened?"

"What?!"

"Somebody released your video clip from last night, it's circulating all over the internet!"

-

Back at the conference room, her managers and company executives paced around, suggesting their own ways for 'disaster control'. They asked for a detailed account of the whole drama and she made her best effort to clear that Jiseok was not a victim, he was the bad guy. She was just worried they wouldn't kick her out from the band at the last minute. Her groupmates had arrived but the worst--Papa Hong had been ticked off about the situation.

Seriously, it's not like I go around like a psycho hitting anyone I please. It was just a slap in response to something he did. Why is everyone over-reacting like that? But when Somin said that much a little while ago, everyone jumped on her saying that nobody does it 'three days before their debut' and 'they care about the reputation of their company and group'.
Bullshit. Personal security always comes first.

Mr. Lee clicked on the cursed video for the nth time. Somin peered over his shoulder. It wasn't really even showing her face. Somebody had filmed it from behind her back which is why only Jiseok's face was coming into view. How he tried to manhandle Somin and how he got punched in response. Her sales manager clicked his tongue admiringly, "Ohh, good shot."

She grinned. Manager Nancy glared at him, snatching the phone from his hands. She looked at the secretary who was keeping watch over the comments and netizen's response on it, "What is the status now?"

He answered happily, "Nobody has figured out that this is Somin yet. They are referring to her as some 'brave girl'. But of course, everybody, especially fans of Red Velvet, are really angry at Choi Jiseok since they know who he is."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Aurora had a dance practice but it slipped from everyone's mind with all the tension in the air. According to the instructions, they were to monitor the public's feedback on the video clip.

Dinnertime had passed, the girls had decided to stay by Somin and be with her if hell breaks loose. As they sat in a corner of the conference room, Jae was reading the comments aloud, laughing at each of them.

'Oh my god, this girl is so hot, I'd like to marry her.'

'Wow, she hit him? Way to go! that's how a girl needs to protect herself.'

'Did she say harass? Oh my god, that pervert Jiseok was harassing her?'

'Hmm... I always knew something was fishy about him. Look how inappropriately he touched her. It's time to deal with men like him once and for all.'

'Guys this is a serious issue! we can not trust our beloved girls of Red Velvet in control of monsters like him. Who knows he hits on them too? He makes them uncomfortable? I SAY WE PROTEST!'

'Omo, omo. He is such a creep.'

'I will stop stanning RV, if SM does not remove him immediately!'

"Oohh we have some pretty hardcore fans here too." Jae squealed. "I bet they aren't going to let him stay for long!"

Somin smiled, Jae was the only one who was taking it cool. Probably because she didn't care about it much. Rio was uncharacteristically silent. She'd meekly apologized to everyone several times but everyone was tense about Somin's identity.

Ariya's stomach rumbled, "Oww, can't I eat proper food for once?"

Saebyul sighed, "Nopes, we gotta follow the diet."

"It's been ages since I had anything except juice and instant noodles." The Japnese girl cried out. "If my mother finds out about it, she's going to fly here and take me away forever."

"Oh my god!" Jae screamed, her eyes bulging at her phone screen. She'd opened a recently uploaded news article. She went through it quickly and turned her bandmates, "Fans of Red Velvet have actually submitted a joint request to SM Ent. to discontinue Choi Jiseok's contract as Red Velvet's manager!"

Everyone gasped. "Poor guy," Saebyul mumbled. Everyone shot her a disregarding look. Manager Nancy appeared before them, her eyes tired. "Girls, go back to your dorm. Come over early morning tomorrow. The issue is escalating so fast, I have no idea what to do."

Jae responded, "Yes, but we're clear, unnie. Nobody is even suspecting about Somin. It's him who needs to worry about."

-

As the next morning's sun rose, Jiseok's video clip had spread like wildfire in the entire Red Velvet fandom, not just that, in fact the whole K-pop community. All fandoms started feeling insecure about other girl groups with male managers and staff. Every single employee at SM Ent. knew about it, it was the newest piece of gossip on everyone's mouth.

Choi Jisoek was in his office, in fact, he hadn't even left for home since last night. His secretary, Jung, entered the room with a tablet in his hand. "Sir." He handed it to him with a glass of water. Jiseok's head was bursting with pain looking at all the fan reviews regarding the video clip. He couldn't believe how notoriously his name had been plagued. How a simple girl had wrecked all chances of promotion for him.

"Don't you even remember her name, sir?" Jung asked.

Jiseok grumbled. Jung tried again, "Wendy and Irene came to ask me how you were doing. . . "

Jiseok looked up. "They didn't come here. What, they're afraid I'd do something to them too?"

Jung shook his head quickly. "No, of course not . . ." He cleared his throat, "I came to inform you that SM's Chief marketing officer has summoned a meeting tonight. He says if the situation gets out of hand, they might have to take action."

He asked alarmingly, "What action?"

Jung cleared his throat. "I'm not sure, sir. But I think he meant against you."

Jiseok screamed in frustration, picking the glass of water and throwing it on the floor with full strength.

-

"Stand straight. Throw away that bubble gum," Saebyul whispered in Jae's ear. The girls, neatly dressed, were waiting in the conference room. They were waiting for Papa Hong, the founder of Cube Ent. Although his name was Hong Seung sung, but he insisted that all his artists were like a family to him and that call him Papa Hong. He had requested to meet the girls today.

The door opened, and in he walked in his shiny blue three-piece suit. Every person in the room including Aurora immediately bowed before him. A board of directors followed him closely, Jae's mother one of them.

After the greeting, Papa Hong asked for a report on debut preparations. Satisfaction covered his features as he was told that everything was ready. He smiled warmly at the five girls. "Is my latest hit girl group ready to set everyone on fire?"

Saebyul smiled nervously, "Yes, sir!"

"Didn't catch you?"

The five of them yelled in unison. "YES, Sir!!"

"That's the spirit!" He grinned, taking his seat. "Now, what seems to be the problem here? They look in perfect health to me." He turned to their manager.

She narrated the whole story and showed him the video clip. Somin gulped nervously, she knew he was a nice man. But she'd heard many stories where he could be too unforgiving. Her heart was drumming against her chest loudly. She saw as he shrugged nonchalantly after watching it.

"I wouldn't have ever suspected that it was Nam Somin if you didn't tell me beforehand." He commented. "If nobody else knows it is her, we should move on too. Besides, it's a good thing she knows how to guard herself."

"Thank god, somebody realizes that!" Somin noted with a big smile.

Papa Hong smiled back at her. He faced Manager Nancy sternly. "Let the girls relax. It's their big day tomorrow."

He stood up. Mr. Lee said, "But, sir, things aren't so smooth at the other end. Everyone is making a big fuss about Choi Jiseok's---"

"That's not our problem. Refrain from sharing this with anyone as fresh gossip, and the matter will die down in a week or two. Word shouldn't get out from this room, understood?" He said with such finality in his voice and nobody dared to say a word again.

He walked towards Aurora and patted Rio's shoulder. "Don't be too stressed, I need your faces to look fresh tomorrow. Get some sleep tonight. I want each of you to be very active."

They nodded. He stopped before Somin, his scrutinizing gaze staring at her. Then his face broke out into a smile. "Somin, I have many hopes from you, I know you're going to bring me name and fame. Such mistakes are only acceptable if one is earning well enough to face the consequences." What a money-hungry mongrel, she thought. "Try not to get in trouble again."

"I'll try."

"Good luck." He nodded and left the room in one motion. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief they didn't even know they were holding. The girls cheered and high-fived. Manager Nancy hurried out of the room after Hong. As she ran to catch up with him, she spoke quickly, "Sir, I was not expecting you to react like that. I'm sorry but you should have made her realize her mistake, not encourage her!"

Looking ahead, he answered her promptly. "Yes, I wouldn't have done the same if it was somebody else. But some artists are an exception, miss Nancy. Keep that in mind not to be too harsh on that girl." He stopped to look at her. "I see potential in Nam Somin, she is one of my greatest assets. We can't afford to lose her."

-

It was like any typical morning in EXO's living room after a successful concert in Singapore last night. They resided in a suite of a five-star hotel in the heart of the city. It wasn't exactly early since they had slept in late to get rid of the exhaustion due to their tight schedule. They'd been here for the last three days, had to stop by Vietnam tomorrow for a fan sign event, and then back to the homeland in another five days.

Suho and Chen, slurping on their coffees, were seated before the huge LED screen in the stylishly furnished living room, switching through channels to find something of interest. Chanyeol who had just woken up was stirring something in frying pan in the open kitchen. Kyungsoo was nibbling on an apple. Baekhyun, smiling idiotically, was texting somebody on his phone, probably his girlfriend.

Xiumin sat in a corner arranging his socks while Lay and Kai were still snoring in their room. Tao was showering. Sehun, deep in thoughts, was brushing his teeth in the huge, fancy washroom.

But what was not typical, was Chen's ear-screeching surprised squeal blowing through the rooftop as he pointed at the screen. He nudged Suho beside him, "Yahh Hyung! Look at that! We know them, don't we?!"

Suho glanced at the screen and realized it was the same girl group, with a space-themed name, who were performing on Inkigayo. The one who came to their fan meet. He chuckled, "Yeah! I remember them well."

Xiumin answered, "Aurora."

Baekhyun looked up, staring at the LED. "Hmm, they're good. Must be their debut stage, right?"

The other nodded. A naughty thought crossed Suho's mind as he looked around for the maknae. "Yah, Sehun? Sehunnie?"

The maknae who was close to dozing off in the washroom, entered the living room. "I just thought you might be interested in it," Suho muttered with feigned innocence.

Sehun's eyes moved to the LED and stuck there. Shit, how can I forget the date today! It's her debut! He got just a few glimpses of  Somin, it was hard when the girls were dancing through the chorus. Sehun was mesmerized by the performance, and it was evident by how the toothbrush dangling from his mouth, hit the floor. After a minute, he noticed his hyungs eyeing him weirdly.

With a shrug, Sehun noted, "They are okay, I guess."

He picked up the toothbrush and hurried to the washroom. After washing up, he joined others for breakfast. They were watching a match now but he had made his mind to see the music video later. Baekhyun said, "Is there something wrong back at SM?"

"Why?" Xiumin frowned.

"I don't know, the comments on their posts are full of hate and threats. What did they do this time?"

Suho asked Baekhyun, "You sure any more pictures didn't get released? You and Taeyeon noona?"

His eyes widened in horror, "Shit, I hope not."

-

Somin's stiletto heels clicked on the marble-tiled floor. She wasn't wearing a face mask, though she ought to since it had been a week into her debut now. She sauntered past the office cubicles, stopping beside her father's secretary's compartment. "I'm looking for Manager Nam." She smiled.

The woman smiled. "You mean Chief Manager Nam?"

He's a chief now? "Yes, exactly."

She nodded, picking up the telephone. "Your name?"

Somin touched her hand. "You don't have to do the formalities, I'm his daughter."

The woman looked hesitant at first but then complied because she had recognized her as her boss' daughter. Somin pushed through the glass door and a smile jumped up on her face seeing her father's wrinkled one. "Bonjour, Papa."

Mr. Nam looked up in surprise. He laughed, and stood up giving his daughter a short hug. "Ahh, Somin. What a surprise!" It had been months since he saw her last time.

She grinned and held out her hand like she used to in middle school when asking him for her monthly pocket money. "Your cell phone."

A crevice appeared between his eyebrows, as he shuffled inside his coat pocket. "Why?"

When he handed it to her, she kept smiling and clicked on the search engine and handed it back to him. "Search for my name."

"Your name?" He chuckled as he hesitantly typed what his daughter said. "Why would your name be. . . "

He trailed off as his Somin's pictures and information loaded in front of him. Her group name, facts, date of birth, album tracks; everything. He gasped in shock. "You debuted already?"

She grinned, taking the seat in front of his table. "But--but, just a year ago you came and told me that you had joined a music agency and. . . "

"Yeah, what can we do? You gave birth to a very talented girl." She replied.

He laughed, setting his phone aside, and ordered his secretary for two cups of coffee. "So, it's a group you'll be working with?"

Somin nodded, relaxing in the comfortable seat. "Group of five girls."

He nodded approvingly, a proud smile on his face. He wanted to ask more about it, her routine, and everything but the fact that he never really knew much about k-pop was a major drawback. It wasn't a regular office job so he wondered what could he even require. He had zero experience and knowledge in Somin's field.

She saw as her father's expression suddenly turned serious. "Your bother called me last night to tell me about his job." He paused to see her reaction. When she exhibited no emotion, he continued. "I was pretty surprised. I mean--I never thought he'd take such a big step. All the way to Shanghai. . . what about you? He's your brother, how can he leave you all on your own like that?"

Okay, he's one to talk. She suppressed a laugh. "Just like you did, Dad." His eyes widened as they averted from her face to the floor. She added, "Oh sorry, not like you. Seungmin actually asked if I was okay with him leaving or not." She looked pointedly. "You didn't."

Mr. Nam exhaled loudly, ignoring her taunt. "That's what I want to know. You're okay with it?"

She shrugged nonchalantly. "I have no choice but to be. I won't stop him. He's doing what he wants to do with his life, what makes him happy." She glanced at her father again. "I guess it runs in the family?"

Staying calm, he said, "Somin, why are you bringing it up--"

Somin smiled in a strained way. "So, how are they, Dad? Your family? Your other family?"

He shifted in his seat. "They're doing well."

She nodded her head. "Hmm.. and what was her name. . .your daughter?"

Mr. Nam knew where Somin was going. She had returned to her self-bitter, self-pitying bitchy mode and that was a frequent one when she came to see her father. He coughed and responded, "It's Jiyeon. And Somin, she's not just my daughter, she's also your sister--"

"Nuh-uh." She clicked her tongue. "Step-sister."

He sighed, and closed his eyes for a minute, all signs of composure erased from his face. "Honestly, I don't understand what's so hard to accept. I mean, you share the same blood with her! And it's not like you don't know how it feels to have a sister. You had one and--"

"She wasn't just my sister, Dad. Sohee was your daughter too." Somin rebounded with the same words he had said.

Mr. Nam gave up. It was impossible to get on the same page with Somin lately. "How old is she? That Jiyeon?"

He looked up and answered. "She'll turn eight this month."

Somin nodded her head thoughtfully. He sighed, "I wonder when that day will ever come up when you'd finally come to terms with the fact that she's your sister too."

Her nostrils flared up at her father's words. "Dad, I was twelve." She gritted through her teeth.

"What?"

"I was just twelve when you left being my dad to become a perfect dad for her. So don't ever expect me to be okay with it. She stole my father, split my family and I will never--"

"That's enough!" He stated angrily. "You're going to fight with an eight-year-old now?"

She fell quiet, folded her arms, and fell back in her chair. Somin had promised to herself she wasn't going to argue with him this time. But just seeing his happy face made her think about all the unhappy times she'd been through which made it harder to hold back. That day was fresh in her memory when he'd come back home one night from work and claimed about his hidden mistress' pregnancy. That was the end of everything honestly.

The secretary came in with a tray of two steaming cups. When she left, Somin said, "Look, I never meant to start this. I just came to give you my good news and I've done that. Please let's not ever bring her up again."

His features softened as he reached for his daughter's hand. "I'm very happy for you, Somin. If you ever need something when Sengmin's left, we can see to that." She chuckled inwardly at the 'we'. I want nothing to do with your perfect little family, dad.

"Thanks." she mumbled.

He added thoughtfully. "I don't know much about music but I'll tell Jiyeon about your news, she'll be happy, she follows K-pop unfailingly ."

Did I just not say not to bring her up? He's so full of his daughter.

She reached for her bag. "I'll get going."

Mr. Nam smiled widely as she reached for the door. "I'll see you soon?" It was more of a question than a statement.

"Yeah, probably on T.V. Bye."

She left, leaving the coffee untouched.

-

As she rode back to her dorm, a little put off because tonight was Seungmin's flight. The drama surrounding that incident had wrapped up nicely for her. Her phone rang and she picked up immediately but the voice on the other end was not what she was expecting. "Somin, I really hate you!"

She gasped and realized it Sooyoung, she sounded very upset. "What's wrong?"

"They've suspended him! Jiseok oppa, he is forced to leave his position as our manager."

Somin slapped her forehead. "Shit, why?"

"Why? you are in no place to ask why! The fans were going crazy about it. SM's final statement came today." Sooyoung chided. "I went to see him off today, he looked terrible."

Somin bit her lip. She knew she could never have it in her heart to feel sorry for him but Sooyoung's voice pained her heart. Who knew it could lead to so much damage. "I'm really sorry for you, you know I never meant anything bad to happen to you."

The other girl scoffed. "Well, we're going to get a female sales manager this time. Just thought I should let you know, make you happy." And then she hung up.

-

The cool night breeze blew through Somin's hair as she stood quietly by the railing. Before her, the great Han river was flowing, even in the tranquility of the night, the water made a musical noise at it collided with the bridge. The moon was beaming over her head. Peace was present everywhere.
But not at her heart.

Muffled footsteps brought her back to her senses as she turned her head and saw her brother making his way closer to her.

Without a word, he wrapped his thick arms around her shoulder. "Are you cold?"

"No."

Seungmin was leaving tonight, in a few hours. There was a heavy feeling in her chest. She wanted to spend her whole day with him but it seemed impossible. Radio shows, Live interviews, dance practice --- her schedule was packed for days. This was the only time she managed to sneak out and see him off. "Everything packed?"

He sighed, "Yes. My residence there wouldn't be really very fancy so I'm taking minimal stuff with me."

"You already look tired, Somin." He noted concernedly. "Is it so hard?"

She smiled at Seungmin. "No, I'm just taking my time to adjust. things have been a little rough."

He nodded his head. "Hmm. . . Eunwoo did mention something about a video."

Somin chuckled, "Nothing ever gets past him, does it?" Her brother shook his head. "That guy really surprises me sometimes."

"Why?"

"He cares for you a lot."

Somin's head snapped at her brother's face. He wasn't looking at her. After a few minutes, she realized he'd just said it randomly but somehow she was unable to answer him. She said, "I went to see Dad today."

Seungmin looked surprised. "Yeah? He suggested having both of us for dinner tonight. I refused, I wanted to be here with you."

"Thank god you did that. I don't think I can manage to see him for another six months." Somin muttered.

Her brother rolled his eyes. "Seriously? You fought with him? again?"

"No. . . " She shook her head frustratingly, her eyes becoming glossy. "It just feels so unfair when I see him . . . It bites me honestly, how can he dare even smile and talk about his family after wrecking us ?"

Seungmin exhaled loudly. "Somin, you need to learn to let things go. Mom, Dad, Sohee--you still hold on to all of them like they're going to come back one day but there not. You are the biggest torture for yourself."

Suddenly something starting stinging the back of her eyes. She didn't want to cry but thinking about how she'll miss his deep voice and his perfume made her sentimental. She laughed bitterly, "Don't tell me I need to learn how to let go. That's what I have been doing since an eternity. I'm a pro at it."

"You're a pro at letting them go but you're terrible at making peace with it."

"Peace?" She spat. A tear sat on the corner of her eye. "How the hell do you expect me to forget Sohee? To not think what Dad did? And Mom's--"

Seungmin smiled at his sister, "Making peace doesn't mean you forget about it. Or that you become so heartless that you don't care anymore. It means accepting that it is a part of you and moving on. And when you think about it sometime in your life and look back, then you just smile thinking how well you survived that storm." He tightened his hold on her. "Sure, I get sad when I miss Mom or when I remember Sohee but don't let it completely destroy you, inside and out."

A stray tear finally made its way down her smooth skin. She let out a watery laugh as she laid her head on his chest. I surely was going to miss him. Another loss, another storm, another person to let go.

-

The moment Sehun stepped inside the smokey bar, his muscles relaxed immediately. After twelve days of staying abroad, he was happy to be finally back home. Back at Vibe.

Yesterday, he'd received a notification that it was the club owner's birthday today and she was throwing a party to all of her frequent customers who had signed up for 'gold membership card'-- as the text called it. Which meant free drinks and discounts on other features.

He was definitely not going to miss this.

Not because free food attracted him, because somebody he knew who would definitely love free food, attracted him.

Sehun took in the majestic decorations around him. There were neon boards that lit up the darkness, and small drinking fountains at every corner. The music pounding from the speakers was pleasing. The walls were miraculously glimmering but he suspected it to be a work of a good electrician, rather than magic. For the first time, he saw the club owner, a pretty woman called Mia in a short red dress, accepting wishes from everyone.

He was ordering a whiskey when he caught sight of Somin, slumped in a corner with a dozen empty beer bottles laid across her looking like a homeless destitute. Her hair was messy, mos of the strands were sticking out but she stil managed to look elegant. Pushing his hands in his pant pockets, he made his way towards her. It was the first time he'd seen her without any make-up but he saw no big difference.

Somin's eyes were closed as she laid her head on the table. She didn't want to come here so soon after the incident, especially when her face was now known by the public, but it was Mia's birthday and she had insisted that Somin had to come over to the party because she had tightened the security.

So after lying to her manager that she was going to stay the night at the apartment, she headed to Vibe, ready to drink her ass off tonight because Seungmin's departure was starting to kick in.

She burped loudly and heard someone chuckle beside her. Cracking an eye open, she saw a perfect face staring at her. Somin groaned and turned away from him. This was the last face I was expecting.

When she realized her glass needed a refill, she straightened her back reluctantly. Sehun smirked and poured her a drink before she could. "Quite a drama you did here last week."

She almost rolled her eyes. "Yeah, thanks." Her eyes widened in surprise. She turned to face him with surprise, "Wait a second. How did you know it was me?"

"So, you're sober." Sehun laughed. "It didn't take me more than a minute to recognize it was you after watching that video."

She stared at him incredulously. "Well, I hope you shut your mouth about it."

"Of course, I'm not stupid. I didn't say anything." Sehun slurped on the whiskey.

She nodded and turned around again. Usually, she was always in the mood for a little bit of fun but tonight....tonight was only for brooding. For her failed family life, for her brother whom she didn't know when she'd see again and all the pressure she'd endured because of the incident.

Sehun peered at her curiously, she looks down. Has one week into K-pop done her in this badly? "I watched your debut video."

Somin's head lifted up but she didn't give him more than a short nod.

His eyes followed her as filled up her glass again and downed the drink in one gulp. She picked the bottle and poured the beverage again. This time, he shoved her glass away. "What are you trying to do? Commit suicide with all this drinking? Don't you have any schedule tomorrow?"

She glared at him. "I don't care, give it back."

Sehun sighed, pushing her glass towards her. Just when he was contemplating whether it would be better to leave, she said, "You got a lighter?"

This girl brings me a new wonder every time. He turned to her in surprise, "You smoke?"

"No, I just wanted to set this place on fire," Somin replied.

He rolled his eyes and fished in his pocket for his lighter. When he handed it to her, she lit a cigarette and popped it in her mouth. "I didn't perceive you as someone who smoked."

"You think you know me?" She laughed humorlessly.

When Somin noticed him still gazing at her with astonishment, she answered, "I smoke only when I feel down."

"And why do you feel down?"

She shrugged, "Sorry, you're not my therapist."

Sehun grinned, though he was sure she meant it as an insult. Somin added, "Just hop off and have fun. Let me be. I'd like to die in my misery alone."

Sehun ignored her. Flexing his muscles, he commented, "I saw you at the airport the other day."

"What?" She frowned.

"You were with a-- a guy, I guess." Sehun poured himself another glass.

Creases appeared between her brows before she realized what he meant and that seemed to sour her expression more- if it was possible. In the mob of fans he was usually surrounded by, he on earth did he spot me?

"Who was it?"

"My brother."

"Why was he going to Shanghai?" He glanced at her.

"Who said he was going to Shanghai?" Somin shot back, puffing a small whiff of smoke.

He rolled her eyes, "Because I boarded the same plane as him."

Somin sighed. Her stomach was twisted painfully. The last thing she wanted to talk about was her brother and he had precisely brought up that topic. Not wanting to be rude, she ignored him. I'm not in the mood, why can't he get the point?

"So?"

Somin pressed her eyes shut tightly. When his fingers tapped on the table, she hurled the cigarette out of her mouth and faced him squarely.

"You know what? I think you're being too personal." She snapped. "Stop trying to know me. Because you don't know me at all. My life is not a pretty thing anybody should take interest in, it's a piece of shit! So please, mind your own business and fuck off."

With that, she lifted up and stomped away leaving him shaken. Upon reaching her cousin, Somin slowed down with an angry look. Mia whistled, "Somebody's pissed off."

"I'm leaving, please prepare my bill."

Mia nodded and asked a bartender to do it. She leaned in and complained, "You seem to be taking it to heart, Somin. Cool down. At this rate, you'll scare all of my customers away."

The younger girl rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"One would think you're a silly teenager on her period whose boyfriend dumped her, the way you're acting." Mia chewed on her gum.

Somin avoided the comment. She knew everything was getting on her nerves tonight so it was better to leave quickly rather than blowing up at everyone who did as much as breath. She followed Mia's gaze and it led to Sehun. He was seething in anger, downed his drink in a go, and stomped to men's restroom.

"Do you think I was too harsh?" Somin asked uncertainly after a minute.

Mia shrugged, "I don't know. . . you guys were pretty close the first night here and right now, you just shut him up like--"

"Mia-- yes or no?" Somin cut her off loudly.

"Yes."

She thought for a minute then shook her head slowly. "Well, honestly, I'm not going to go over and sorry."  She stated it as if this was a universal fact.

Mia grinned. "And I'm not even going to try convincing you because you're a lost cause."

Sehun's lip twitched as he stared back at his reflection. He turned on the tap and splashed his face with the jets of water to cool down his nerves. Who does she think she is? Acting like an almighty queen on her high horse. She is no more than any other ordinary girl.

If she thinks, she'll get any attention by pissing me off, she's wrong, Sehun decided with resentment.

What am I even doing anyway? A world-renowned star should have some standards. She is just a small-level artist produced by a low company who isn't ever going to reach my class. She doesn't deserve my attention.

Sehun wiped his face off with a paper towel, shoved his hands in his pockets. He walked out with a certain determination and unusual arrogance in his stride. He felt Somin's eyes on him but he passed her without a glance.

People like me should have nothing to do with people like her.

--------------------------------

And, we're done! Your thoughts on this chapter?
I think this chapter is bit longer than normal. But it's not a bother for me because I love writing. And it shouldn't be a bother to you if you like this book..so I hope they're no hard feelings :)

I know, Somin's family story might be a little confusing but I hope to clear it up in a few chapters. How do you think Sehun and Somin will patch up? Will Jiseok get back at her?

Stay tuned for more! :)

P.s Don't know why I made this but can we say I was just a little bored.
Not a cover, not a poster, no idea what it even is.