✨
Blue Moon Restaurant
the night before the scandal

"What now, butt? I could hang my coat on that pout of yours."

"What's your bloody obsession with bums? Are you playing for the other team now?"

"And disappoint you? Awe, I'm not that cruel, baby."

"I hate you, you know that right?" Lisa spat as she folded her arms and leaned on the backrest of her seat.

"And I love you too," Yoongi answered as he continued to eat. "Stop being a drama queen and eat. It's been a while since we had dinner. Alone."

"Well if you visited me more often then maybe it wouldn't have been a while," she fired back.

"Shut up and eat, Manobutt."

Lisa glared at the older guy before sitting straight. "That nickname is getting old. Try another one."

"So stepping in for your brother," he said totally ignoring her sass—or lack thereof. "I never thought this day would come. Didn't think one nasty article would be the cause of you finally getting involved with your mom's company."

Lisa suddenly froze. So her brother didn't tell him. Min Yoongi had no idea that his best friend is dying. But does he know the reason why he's so keen on getting better?

"Ya, oppa. Is my brother seeing someone?" she asked out of the blue. Yoongi raised his head to look at her. "Is there?"

"I can't tell you. Bro code," he simply answered. "Plus, you might scare her away or something. I won't let you."

"Psh." She rolled her eyes and resumed eating.

She wanted to find out who that girl is to thank her. Whoever she was, she's the reason why her brother wants to get better. She's the reason why he wants to live. Maybe to be with her or maybe to grow old with her. Whatever his reason may be, she's sure that it was because of that girl.

"Hoseok told me you didn't want to be treated," he said loosely. He had no problem whatsoever when it comes to talking about shit with her.

Whenever her brother's on a dead-end, he calls for Yoongi to talk to her. That explains the sudden dinner invitation.

"I'm not sick," she answered plainly. "I'm fine. I don't want it anymore. I'll live."

"You say you're fine but your bitchiness says otherwise," he argues cooly. "It's like your panties are permanently in a twist. A whole lifetime of PMS."

"One, what's your addiction with my knickers? And two, I was born with this attitude and you very well know that."

"You broke a company property."

"I saw a spider. I just wanted to kill it."

"Unlikely."

Lisa's eyes narrowed at the guy but he continued eating—completely ignoring her piercing gaze.

"You're a sodding git."

"Thank you," he said pissing her off more. "Just try it out, Butt. You won't lose anything."

"I might literally go insane, Yoongi," she insisted as her last attempt of defense. "You of all people should know it's really annoying to talk about feelings."

"Yeah, but it helps," he answered nonchalantly. "Look. I care for you, Li. You're... well, I loved you. I want to see you on that stage you love the most—"

"The stage I left you for?"

He sighed. "Li, you know that's not what I meant."

"I know but..." It was now her turn to sigh. "You should be mad at me. You should hate me. I still can't understand why you're still taking care of me after what I did to you. I... I..."

She felt him hold her hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"I can't hate the only woman I've ever loved, Li."

Yoongi and Lisa dated when he was in college and she was a senior in high school. Given that he was her brother's best friend, they both decided to hide their relationship from everyone. And when she got her scholarship to Juilliard, she had to choose. He made her choose.

"It was the biggest regret of my life," Yoongi broke the silence. "I... I shouldn't have made you choose. I should've just packed everything and went there with you. But I didn't. I should have but I didn't. And that pretty much f**ked everything up."

"Yoongi..."

She didn't know what else to say. Was he asking a question even? Was he insinuating something?

"Relax, Li. I've already moved on."

She let out a sigh of relief. She sucked at this. Why does she suck at this?

Yoongi must've noticed her indifference so he sat back up straight and took his phone out.

"So I have this song here that I think would be a good debut song for Saerin," he said diverting the topic. "And since you said she'd debut first, you don't have the right to complain or b*tch about this one."

She can't help but smile. He knows her too well and spoils her rotten. Explains as to why she lets him call her whatever the hell he wants and not lose a limb or two.

"It's brilliant," she said nodding as she listens to the beat. "You have my blessing with this one."

"Great. So I'll send this to Secretary Jeon and schedule the concept evaluation as soon as possible?"

"Why? Aren't your their producer?"

"Uh, Li? Didn't Hoseok tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"The CEO is the Executive Producer. Your team decides the concept and schedules of the artist."

"What? I don't know any of that shi—"

"Relax, Li. You have Secretary Jeon with you. He knows what to do," Yoongi simply said. "He's been doing this with your brother for years now."

But it wasn't that simple. She fired the bloke. Now, what would she do?

Of course, she has no idea what to do. She may have an eye for talent whatsoever but she knows nothing about preparations for a debut. It's not like she's been in the business for years. She did just take over weeks ago.

"Li? What's wrong?"

"I uh..." She suddenly grabbed her phone. "I might've fired him..."

Yoongi's forehead creased.

"You... fired Secretary Jeon?"

She nodded. Slowly.

"Why?"

"Because he questioned my choices."

He raised an eyebrow. "You do realize I would've done the same if you're throwing almost a year's work outside the window just because you suddenly thought a member of the debut team should go solo."

She heaved a sigh. True, it was a rash decision. But to be all honest, her decision wasn't loosely just because he questioned her. A part of it was because of the airport thing. For her, it was embarrassing. And to say the least, awkward. Also, he's like a creepy stalker of one of the company's top artist. Her decision's well justified.

"I know you're well equipped coming from the entertainment industry too, Li. But your brother knows more. And Secretary Jeon's been there with him for years. You'll need him."

She let out an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. I'll give him a call tomorrow," she surrendered. "If he blows this up again, you'll be joining him in the gutter."

✨

JHS Entertainment Building
after the scandal broke out

"So it wasn't a date?"

The raven-haired idol nodded in her usually sweet demeanor. Sitting next to her on the couch was her manager, Mr. Choi.

"I just wanted to thank him for helping me out with the leaked MV issue. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have contained the situation."

"I see."

Lisa folded her arms and went back into thinking. Even though they release a statement about it, the fans wouldn't buy it and do a tonne of digging.

"Miss Manoban," her temporary secretary, Jinny, went in with a tablet at hand. "Um... I... You need to take a look at this..."

The girl handed her the device and her eyes grew wide as she saw how their stocks plummeted.

Wow. These people take dating way too seriously. She can't help but feel pity on Miss Lee. The woman can't go out and have a good time without being in the headlines the next day.

She then turned to the copy of Miss Lee's contract and scanned it. There seem to be no stipulation whatsoever regarding dating. She's free as a bird.

"I'll have the PR team release a statement regarding this issue, Miss Lee," she said dismissing the idol. "You can release your own statement after with the legal team at your disposal. For now, I'd advise for you to stay in the building for your own safety—"

"Sorry, I'm late."

Lisa raised an eyebrow as soon as Jeon Jungkook walked in the room. He was dressed in his usual suit but he was covered in flour and... eggs? She was hoping it was eggs and not anything else that would stain the floor. Miss Lee was wide-eyed and her hand was on her mouth.

"I uh... got caught up."

"Oh my God!" the female idol exclaimed. "What happened?"

"Uh... there were kids and... eggs... and well, we all know how fans are..."

"Secretary Jeon I'm so so sorry! It's my fault. I didn't think this would happen—"

"I'm fine, Miss Lee," the guy politely answered making Lisa roll her eyes. "It's nothing a good laundry shop can't fix."

"Then, please send me your laundry bill and I'll take care of it." Miss Lee turned to her manager. "Manager Choi, please handle it for me. Make sure Secretary Jeon's suit would be cleaned, pressed and good as new."

Jungkook couldn't help himself from blushing as Miss Lee gave him a warm smile before taking her leave. When it was just the two of them, Lisa and him, the former gave him an unimpressed look.

"I was just about to re-hire you yet you still made a mess," she spat. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"It's all my fault. She had nothing to do with this—"

Thanks to good reflexes, Jungkook was able to dodge the flying pillow. CEO Manoban rubbed her temples. She was pissed since the company's stocks are experiencing a major downfall. And she just got here.

"To my defense, I didn't know there were paparazzi's out there," he defended. "And uh..."

"Tsk." Lisa looked at him from his head down to his shoes. He looked pitiful. "Korean fans are so... intense. How many were they?"

"A few..." he managed to whisper. "They're just... protective. And uh... I could handle a few eggs—"

She rolled her eyes before standing up.

"How do you think you'll be able to get out of this mess, Secretary Jeon? We could easily deny the rumors but I don't think that would stop your... uh, people from attacking you."

The way she said "people" made Jungkook flinch a bit. He wasn't really making a good impression on his new boss now, is he?

"Well... Uhm... they wouldn't believe it even if we release a statement," he answered. "But, if we were to say I'm currently in a relationship, it would stop the rumors completely."

Lisa's brows furrowed.

"Secretary Jeon, are currently in a relationship?"

"Um... no, but..."

"But you're seeing someone?"

"No..."

"Then that's basically lying." She folded her arms. "Wouldn't it be wise if we were to just tell them you went out on a friendly dinner? Or she's out to thank you?"

He shook his head.

"Um... some fans don't really believe statements the company releases," he stated. "We've encountered this problem before when Miss Park and Jimin got involved in rumors. We release a statement that Miss Park wasn't necessarily on a date but they were with the rest of the Royal members discussing their comeback as she's a producer for them. But the fans didn't believe it and sent her tons of hate mails and death threats so we had to make it seem like she's already dating someone else."

"And how did you do that?"

"By sending one of Royal's loyal fansite images of Miss Park on a date with Producer Min Yoongi," he answered. "It calmed the fans and the fansite even helped explain that Miss Park was also with Producer Min that time and he was just running a bit late."

"They believed it? Wow. I thought fans were like the FBI or something. Wouldn't they question the reliability of the pictures?"

"Fansites are no joke, Miss Manoban. They have a huge following and influence online. One word from them and this issue would die down. Some might not believe but the majority would."

Lisa was skeptical and eyed the secretary. He would know how to handle fans because... well, he is one so he knows this more than she does. Even if her pride says a hard 'no', she cannot just let this be and watch as their stocks continuously plummet over this 'scandal'.

The idea of dating being a scandal is downright barmy. Stupid and totally out of line.

"I can get the legal and PR team to help me draft a good story about my dating life and I can just say my girlfriend's identity is to be kept hidden," the secretary explained.

"And how would they believe this if you don't show these... proofs?"

"They won't need any. Being the CEO's secretary would at least give leverage as Miss Lee wouldn't date someone like... like me," he almost stuttered. "I'll make sure to clear up any rumors regarding me and Miss Lee."

"For a minute there I thought you're a complete twat for saying that," she said standing up. She's fairly impressed at how he was able to come up with a solution that fast. "Come. I don't want you looking like a big heap of rubbish. A fresh suit would look good on you. I don't like the idea of my secretary looking ugly with a plain-looking suit."

Then she marched out of the office with a confused secretary following.

✨

Ji Eun sighed in relief. Finally, her dating rumors has been denied and the statement released by the company was convincing enough. Although she didn't quite think that Secretary Jeon has a girlfriend. If he did, she should also apologize to the girl he's dating since it was her fault asking him out like that.

"Ji Eun, stop worrying. It's not your fault," her manager said that made her smile. "And CEO Manoban already took care of it. The issue would just die down eventually."

She smiled and nodded before proceeding to the exit. And just like always, a few fans were waiting.

"They're still here?" she asked her manager who replied with a nod.

"But I'm guessing they've already read the statement we've released."

Manager Choi signaled a few guards to help them reach the van unharmed. Though she did not think her fans would hurt her.

"Just be gentle with them," she told one guard. "They're still my fans."

The guard gave her a quick nod before they proceeded to walk out of the building. A few girls were screaming, waving banners at her and trying to hand her a few gifts. But she wasn't allowed to take some so she just smiled and waved at them.

"Noona!" she heard on called. She felt a harsh tug on her arm. It was a boy who was in his school uniform. "You're not with that guy are you, noona? It's not true, right?"

"I—"

Before she could even complete her word, one of the security personnel shoved the guy away. She wasn't able to react as Manager Choi already pulled her inside the van. But she can clearly see from the window how two guards restrained the guy—pulling him away from the van. Worry immediately flooded her face.

"Please don't hurt them," she muttered as she turned to her manager. His face looked serious which was so unlike him. "Manager Choi?"

"He's a sasaeng, Ji Eun," he explained. "He's the guy who almost stabbed me for being 'too close' to you. I know you love your fans but not all fans are alike."

Again, she heaved a sigh. She took her phone out to check on her sns. She frowned when her favorite fansite didn't post anything since the scandal broke.

"What's the matter, Ji Eun?"

"Nothing, oppa..." she whispered scrolling jieunismylife's twitter account. "He hasn't posted anything yet..."

"He?" Then he leaned a bit to take a quick peak at her screen. "Oh. Your favorite master-nim. He hasn't posted anything?"

She shook her head. "Not since the scandal. Do you think he stopped because he's angry or something?"

"Ji Eun..." her manager turned to her. "It's not a crime if you go out with male friends once in a while. Heck, it's not even a crime to date. You're a normal, functioning human being. You're allowed to fall in love. If your fans don't get that and leave you just because you try to be normal, then they're not really your fans."

She turned her attention back to her phone. She dragged down a couple times. Still no update.

"What's this obsession with jieunismylife, Ji Eun? I recall you always look for him during fansigns."

"He's my first fansite, oppa," she answered with a smile. "And he always captures the best side of me—"

Her explanation was cut short when a notification buzzed.

@jieunismylife: JHS Ent. responded to the rumors. Let's keep our faith and trust that our IU would tell us herself if she's dating or not. https://t.co/fCHuV7IAI5
|
@jieunismylife: dating is not a crime. our Ji Eun deserves to be happy and live a fruitful life with the person she truly loves. we, as her loyal followers should be happy and always support her all the way.

Ji Eun couldn't hide her smile. Manager Choi raised an eyebrow and peaked.

"It kinda hurts that your fansite can make you smile with one post yet I don't get to make you smile like that with all those words. You wound me, Ji eun-a."

"Awe, oppa. You'll always be my number one. No one can top that."

"Not when you finally decide to date. You'll just throw me under the bus," he teased.

"Then I'll make sure you're comfortable under the bus then."

✨

"Well that looks expensive," Tzuyu commented as soon as he got inside the building.

Jungkook heaved a sigh and he sat on one of the bar stools at his sister's pub. He dropped the huge paper bag to his side. She then placed a small glass full of liquor in front of him.

"Did you finally decide to stop being so cheap and buy something for yourself rather than that idol you're obsessing on?"

"You haven't checked your SNS, have you?"

"Well, no," she answered. "I hate those. They're full of trolls. I can't even enjoy a good news article with all the know-it-alls in the comment section."

He let out another sigh. "Apparently, I'm dating IU."

Tzuyu raised an eyebrow. Then she shook her head.

"Your level of delusion sometimes amazes me," she said taking the glass of liquor back. "I'm taking this back since I think you're already drunk."

"I'm not kidding, Tzu. It's actually the reason why I had to buy a new suit. Technically I didn't buy the suit but, you get it right?"

Tzuyu narrowed her eyes at him, drink still at her hand.

"You're serious. Wow. So being a stalker does work," she teased. "I'm guessing the fans aren't happy with it?"

"We're not really dating, Tzuyu," he scowled. "We were just having dinner and Dispatch or whoever it was that gave them the photo happen to be in the restaurant too and took a photo of us together. Imagine my shock when I got home and saw the news."

"Yikes. So her fans attacked you?"

He nodded. "With eggs and flour."

"Wow. Imagine how many pancakes we could've made from those."

He shot her a glare which made the girl laugh out loudly.

"Here." She placed the drink back in front of him. "It's on the house. Sucks when those kids who adore you as their 'master-nim' turn their back at you, am I right?"

"You're a b*tch, you know that right?"

Tzuyu just grinned. Then the pub's door suddenly opened.

"O, welcome—"

Jungkook almost fell from his chair when he saw who exactly came in.

"M-Miss Manoban!" he blurted out. But the woman did not give him much attention. Instead, her eyes were glued at his sister who looked like she just saw a ghost.

Miss Manoban never fails to make heads turn. She was wearing a black leather jacket over a leopard-printed body con dress and black dagger heels. It was a weird combination of biker chick and sexy. But it works. His eyes went straight to her long (beautiful) legs.

"Eyes up here, Jungkook," she said casually as she made her way beside him. Then she turned towards Tzuyu. "You own this place, am I correct?"

Tzuyu—still shocked and awe-struck, nodded slowly with eyes still wider than it used to.

"I uh... y-yes."

Totally out of character, Miss Manoban smiled! His eyes grew wide and his mouth flew wide open.

"I like it," she declared, propping her elbows on the counter as the back of her palms supported her chin. "Maybe that's why my brother loves hanging out here so much."

He watches as his sister blink twice as fast as a normal human should. Give it to Miss Manoban to intimidate someone who's already intimidating. It's the first time he saw his sister in this state. Flustered and frantic.

"Uh... okay. I uh... I'll be right back."

Miss Manoban turned towards him and drank his drink in one go. She gave him a grin before placing the now empty glass back to where it originally was.

"She seems nice," she commented—her one arm on the counter while the other rests on the backrest of her seat. "She looks smart and she's really pretty. My brother really does have impeccable taste in women."

It was now his turn to be shocked. What?

"Oh, you don't know?" she stated innocently. "My brother fancies her. So if you have plans on making a move with her, I think you're in for a tough competition."

"She's my sister."

Miss Manoban's eyebrow raised. "Sister? Wow. I thought she's also someone you fancy. Well, that's just plain boring. I thought my brother has some tough competition or something."

"CEO Jung likes my sister?" he asked clearly still shocked by her revelation. Why does he not know this?

"That or he often comes here to get inside the bartender's trousers," she said shrugging. Then she smiled. And then she used her index finger chin to close his wide-open mouth. "Congratulations, by the way, Secretary Jeon. Your plan seems to have worked. Our stocks are back up again and the rumors about you going out with Miss Lee has been debunked."

He was about to say thank you but she had already directed her attention elsewhere.

It was kinda awkward sitting there next to his boss. If it were CEO Jung, he'd be more comfortable opening a legit conversation with him since he'd been working with for quite a long time. But with Miss Manoban, he didn't know what to do or say. He just sat there gawking. Watching her sip the Mimosa his sister just handed.

Her side profile looked familiar.

Then his thoughts wandered back in that one practice room. When he saw a woman dancing gracefully along with the classical song.

It was her!

"You..." he whispered. Miss Manoban seemed to have heard him as she turned towards him again.

"Hm?"

"I uh... Miss Manoban, can I ask you a question?"

"You're already asking, Jungkook."

His hand made its way to his nape. Geez. He's always a nervous wreck when faced with this woman.

"I uh... Do you... Do you dance?"

Jungkook clearly saw how his boss' face turned from smiley to blank. Her brown orbs that seemed to glimmer became hollow. Was it something he said? Then she reverted back to her formal self.

"I used to do ballet in New York," she answered monotonously.

"Used to?"

"Yes, Jungkook. I used to dance. Now I don't."

"Why?" he asked. "I uh... I saw you dance and you were amazing--"

"Because I hated it," she answered flatly. Like she's brushing the topic off. "I don't really liked dancing."

Jungkook decided not to push the topic as he saw how uncomfortable the girl was starting to get.

After a few minutes of silence, Miss Manoban pushed her now empty glass of Mimosa away, tucked a few bills under it and hopped off the bar stool. He immediately helped her out as what he usually does.

"I can manage," she said in a rather cold demeanor. "I think a single glass of Mimosa isn't such a big deal. Anyways, I'll see you at work tomorrow, Jungkook."

"Yes, Miss Manoban."

He gave her a formal bow as they reached the outside of the pub. But before the woman can go inside her car, a creepy looking guy—a high schooler if you'd put it, suddenly attacked him.

"Wha—"

His eyes grew wide at the sight of a small knife on his right hand aimed towards him. His instincts kicked in an signaled Miss Manoban to stay back as she was about to hold off the guy.

"Noona is mine!" the guy exclaimed as he charged at him. "You're not good enough for her!"

"I'm not her boyfriend! We're not dating—"

"You think I'm stupid enough to believe the tailored statement JHS Ent. released? Ha! You did the same thing with that Royal guy!"

Jungkook tried his best to block the attacker but he's strong. Too strong in fact.

"Ow!"

"Ya! Get off my boyfriend!"

Miss Manoban's voice roared through the streets getting the attacker. He noticed she was already missing a shoe.

The attacker froze—wide eyes and all.

"Get your filthy hands pff my f**king boyfriend you delusional freak!" she yelled.

He could clearly see the sudden change in the attacker's eyes.

The poor kid immediately backed down and dropped his weapon. He even tried to run but Miss Manoban threw her other shoe at him. It hit him on the head which made him trip and fall.

"What are you waiting for? Christmas? Catch him, you idiot!"

✨

"I sincerely apologize for what my grandson just did. I'm really sorry."

An old man, around age 50 or so, bowed continuously as he apologized for what the kid did to him. They're currently in the police station sorting things out.

"It's okay, sir," he replied. "It was all just a misunderstanding. I'm sure he has learned his lesson..."

The kid, who was sitting in front of the police officer with his head down, is currently receiving an earful from his grandmother. The grandparents rushed to the station as soon as they heard about it.

He didn't press any charges. He felt that the kid was just upset and didn't know any better. Plus the knife he held was too small to even kill or anything.

Jungkook and Miss Manoban stood outside the station as they watched the couple leave with their grandson. He heaved a sigh as soon as they were out of sight.

"You're fairly stupid, you know," Miss Manoban commented. "He attacked you and you just let him off the hook."

"He's a kid," he argued. "A criminal record can ruin his future. And judging from what I just witnessed, they're not well-off."

Miss Manoban rolled her eyes.

"That's very noble of you. I'll make sure to bring a plaque or something on your funeral if that kid attacks you again."

He just smiled at her earning him a scowl. Then she sighed.

"Call the PR team," she instructed confusing him.

"Miss Manoban, we can't release this information to the public. The kid might get bullied—"

"We'll release information about you girlfriend. Jungkook. Not the kid."

That made him more confused.

"Girlfriend? Who—"

Miss Manoban folded her arms and her cold gaze locked with his. Then she smirked.

"Me."

✨