Five people were sitting cramped in a room waiting for their last member to join. They were messaged a day before that they were to report at sharp eight p.m but the host was not on time. All of them had their laptops and notebooks ready next to them. They knew something big was going to be revealed today. 

The combination of people in the room was definitely not what most were used to. Three of the attendees were new to them but they knew where they belonged. Seeing the stickers on their laptops it was clear about who today's meeting was about. 

The five people were growing restless as time went on and the host was yet not to be seen. Just then the door slammed open and a person with bushy hair and a bundle of papers in their arms stepped inside. The host mumbled a hurried apology for tardiness as their papers were hastily arranged on a desk.

All of them caste a doubtful look at the host thinking how can someone so disorganized be the host of the meeting. Hosts were known to be the most sorted, clean and ready people.

The host took a seat and others instantly became attentive. 

"Hello everyone. I apologize for the delay but I had some paperwork that I needed to copy. Here." The host said as papers were passed to all the attendees.

The attendees carefully screened the paper and like a domino effect all their eyes widened as they read the last part of the paper. All of them looked up and glanced at each other, not believing at all.

"May we know the source of the information?" one of the attendees asked. The host nodded and sent another set of papers across the room. This time another set of papers produced a chain of surprised gasps. 

No one expected someone this big would circulate such news around.  Of course, most of their sources were whistle-blowers but this the first time for a celebrity.

"Since the tip we have received concerns both the teams, I decided to call only the representatives of each side. We do not have a proper evidence of this claim and that is our new project. If this does turn out true...we'll decide what to do later." The host said most of them nodded in agreement.

After a hour of detailed planning the meeting ended and the host proposed to buy coffee and dinner to all of them for which all but one agreed. They exited the building as a group but one person diverged from the group. That one person had one more errand to run before calling a night.

While the rest attendees did not notice the restlessness of that one divergent person who had hurry to go home, the host smiled at the persons rushing but controlled silhouette and let out a satisfied sigh.

His work for the day was done.

_____

Kim Seokjin

I knew trouble was brewing before I was told what is happening. While our comeback day was not changed the schedule for the days before kept changing everyday. It made all of us at edge because none of us were aware of what to expect the next day. 

JooHyun too had texted me a while back that all their schedule for the next five days were pushed back to next week. They are free of schedule for five days. At first, they had been doubtful at the sudden decision but had decided to make the best out of the five days to relax and rejuvenate. JooHyun was over the top happy and excited at having left alone that she din't doubt anything wrong. 

My doubt settled in the moment we were told of the upcoming irregularities in our schedule. We all knew from experience that schedules changed because the management were  on plans  that might affect our comeback period. Till now most of them have been a mix of positive and negative effects so we were not sure what to expect.

Namjoon had sensed the atmosphere and had come up with a lie that some tracks were being re-arranged as the reason for so many changes but I had seen right through it. That lie was what propelled me where I am right now.

Just when I was about to request a meeting with Mr. Seo, manager hyung told me that I was called for a meeting with him.

I rubbed my hands on my pants as I nervously waited for them to enter the meeting room. I knew that there is a chance that most of my doubts might not be cleared but I still wanted to know if the problem is me or not.

Mr.Seo and his team walked in and I got up and bowed to them. Just as I was about to take a seat, PDnim walked into the room and I froze. He saw my startled expression and came around the table to pat my back.

"It's okay." He assured. "Don't overthink."

I hastily bowed to him greeting and took a seat after him. Manager hyung took a seat next to me as the rest sat across me.

Cutting right to the point, PD-nim started the meeting by saying. "Namjoon said that you promised to take all responsibility for anything that might happen to the group because of you." I nodded.

"So for that reason we have decided to let you in on what is happening. Please be mindful that what is being shared today will not be retold to your members. We'll come-up with another excuse for you to tell them." Mr. Seo said. "We don't want the whole team to be affected but this. Since the problem is not in our court now, we can't have our artists be troubled mere days before the comeback.

We have decided to let you in the situation only with the hopes that you will help us take a decision that you might have to take in the future."

I nod again and say, "I understand."

Mr. Seo gave me a small smile before going back to the papers in front of him. Bang PD-nim sat silent in his seat as he observed.

 "A week before we received a tip from one of our sources that someone outside of BigHit and SM have come to know of the existence of the contract that had been signed approximately four months ahead. In light of your current relationship with Miss. Bae, we had somehow managed to extend the contract but seeing the current situation we are re-considering it." Mr. Seo, said with caution lacing his tone.

My throat dried at what was being said. Before I could process anything, Mr. Seo continued.

"We were not sure whether we should include you in this problem so soon but PD-nim suggested we do. SM team have been told about the possible exposure of the contract that can be viewed in a negative light. We have not received a reply of what they propose but we can predict. We think there is eighty percent chance of them suggesting a split between you and Miss. Bae."

Of course they would. That had been their intention for a while now but were tied by the said contract. In case this matter does get out, there was no doubt that SM will be accused of abusing their power as they are one of the Top 3 companies. Then it will affect both the groups and most importantly me and JooHyun.

"We had been made aware of the genuine relation of you and Miss. Bae and had all intentions to support you but as I have mentioned before, what SM decides at this point will be what we will have to consider." Mr. Seo said, regret reflecting his words.

"We are tracing the source of the information but if we fail to find out before Sm decides, we will have to accept what they have proposed."

I nod and think over all the solutions. Coming out clean is not an option for any party as it will only cause a scandal.

"We'll call for another meeting as soon we get a word from SM. I believe that you have a schedule in the next fifteen minutes. Do contact us in case you want to say something." Mr.Seo says as he greets goodbye and all of them except PD-nim file out of the room.

"SeokJin-ah, I know how hard you have always worked to keep your personal life and professional life separate. But this problem is right in the middle of it." PD-nim says, getting up. "Whatever you decide, make sure that your future is secure. I will agree to whatever you decide, I promise."

He says and walks out of the room as both me and manager Hyung get up to bow. I take a seat as soon as the door closes and rest my head on the table, massaging my neck.

"You know, Jin-ah." Hyung says, slouching in his seat, "I am surprised that the company is spending so much time and thought to save your relationship. Had it been any other company both of you would have been forced to end it as soon as even a rumor arises."

I nod and squeeze my fingers in a fist. My eyebrows furrow as I hesitate before saying the next words.

"I think...I know what to do."

-------

2 more chapters to go!