✨

seoul, south korea

"Pervert!"

Jungkook winced as Tzuyu--his adopted sister, touched the reddish mark on his cheek. He can still hear the sound of the girl's slap ringing in his ear and it even left a visible mark before she grabbed her things and left.

"You did it, Kook. You managed to do the impossible yet again," his sister taunted as she placed an ice pack on his cheek. "How do you hit your face with a camera case? And a big-ass one?!"

"The fangirls trapped me," he lied. He'd never tell that a random girl slapped him. He has a reputation to keep. "Royal was at the airport."

"Like that explains everything," she muttered before standing up. "You should stop doing that fansite thing, Kook. You have a stable job now that pays really nicely. You can't screw that up by acting like a stalker."

"I'm not a stalker!" he scowl earning an eye-roll from the girl. "I'm helping my co-fans, Tzu. You wouldn't know 'coz all you think about is cooking."

"At least my 'hobby' earns me money," she argued.

Tzuyu owns a coffee shop and she's her own barista. At night the shop turns into a pub slash restaurant.

"Whatever. You're such a mom," he sassed. Then suddenly, someone smacked the back of his head. "Ya--oh hi mom."

"You've been faboying again?!"

"I'm just taking some pictures, mom!" he defended not forgetting to throw a glare at the tattletale. "It's like being a professional photographer--"

"More like a professional stalker if you ask me," Tzuyu mumbled from the kitchen.

"I swear, Jungkook. If you continue this shenanigans I will disown you!"

The older woman looked dead serious but he was certain she wouldn't do that.

"Aw mom. If you disown me all you'll be left with is Tzuyu. That would such be a downgrade--"

"Ya!"

He stuck his tongue out at the enraged girl. She narrowed her eyes as she balled her fist like she was about to punch him.

They were like that. They have the usual sibling rivalry as well as the typical 'at-each-other's-throats' kind of relationship. But they do care about each other. A lot.

But right now he has murder tendencies after Tzuyu ratted him out.

"Sneak," he muttered towards the younger girl.

"Stalker."

"Pru—"

"Stop it, you two!" his mom exclaimed—clearly done with the two's bickering. "I miss how this house get peaceful when you're both in your respective apartments. It's like I'm living with toddlers again!"

"She started it!"

"Me? You started it!"

"I did not—"

"Did to—"

The old woman rolled her eyes before facepalming. This wouldn't stop 'til one gives up or if their father gives them both a pair of knives to kill each other.

But that won't happen since his husband just recently passed. It hurt, yes, but, he fought hard enough. And it was his time.

The sudden silence snapped her out of her trance. She felt two pairs of arms snake around her.

"Mom..." both said as they hugged her tightly. She patted their shoulders lightly and smiled.

"I'm fine," she said to them. "I just missed you, that's all. And dad as well."

"Should we go have a picnic this weekend?" Tzuyu suggested. "It's been a while since we last visited dad..."

"We visited him last Sunday—"

"And it's a Wednesday already. So it's been a while," the younger girl argued. The she turned towards her mother. "It's settled then! This weekend, family picnic. I'll tale charge of the food and Jungkook here will be in charge of the driving. You can pick the dad's van at the shop."

"Sounds like a plan," Jungkook immediately agreed making his mother's heart full with joy. "I'll pick you girls up at around 7."

The family of three had dinner together. Jeon Mirae couldn't help but smile widely as her kids started to tell her everything about their respective days. Tzuyu began by boasting about the new additions to her menu and how many students were giving her free promo by posting on their sns about the shop. Jungkook then commented about how sns helps a lot these days and how the company he's working with benefit on it. Of course, he sister gave a sassy remark about fangirls and fanboys alike.

"I'll be heading out now," he said as he dried his hands after washing the dishes. "I'll be up early tomorrow. CEO Jung's sister is coming to the office."

"Sister?" Tzuyu's eyebrow raised. "I didn't know Hoseok had a sister."

"Hoseok?" Jungkook asked—his own eyebrow raising as well.

"Uh, I mean, CEO Jung—well, I uh... he told me to call him Hoseok since I'm not his employee," Tzuyu answered panicking. "The uh... The shop's close to your office so he's a—a regular there."

Not buying what his sister just said, Jungkook dropped the topic. His sister looked like she was about to collapse if he had pushed it.

"O...kay," he said turning towards the door. "Bye ma!"

"Kookie wait!"

The woman called out and took something from the table.

"Take these with you," his mother said placing a paper bag on the floor. He took a quick peak and his eyes grew wide. "Homemade kimchi. I know how much you love them and being very busy with your work, you won't be able to visit as often as you could. So... yeah. You can share it with your neighbors too, if you want—"

He bridges the small distance between then and wrapped his arms around his mother—cutting her rambling off.

Mrs. Jeon sighed and hugged her son back.

Jungkook lived a bus ride away from JHS Building. If only housing around Gangnam was cheap, he would've considered the community. But yeah, he would like to save some extra by taking the bus or train instead and putting it in his savings. Or IU's Birthday project. Speaking of which, where did he put his planner? He remember having it at the airport. The computations for IU's birthday project is in there as well as her upcoming schedules for the entire year.

"Maybe I left it in the office—"

His thoughts were cut off when his phone started buzzing. It was Mingyu.

"Yo Gyu what's up—"

"IU's new MV has been leaked!" the guy blurted out. "We're freaking out here, Jeon. We need you ASAP!"

✨

It was a little under ten minutes when he arrived at the office building. It was utter chaos how the staff and people from the IT team were trying to stop the illegal distribution of the MV and trace the hacker.

"Secretary Jeon!" A staff member noticed him as he walked inside the office. "What should we do? The MV's supposed to be posted tomorrow. We're still trying to ask the fans to stop spreading it—"

"It's already out," he said walking towards the IT team leader. "Does CEO Jung know about this? Was he informed about the breach?"

The staff nodded and he sighed. CEO Jung said his sister were to arrive today and he'll be busy.

"Well then, there's only one way we can solve this situation," he said then turned to IU's manager. "Tell Miss Lee Ji Eun to hold a surprise vlive. It'll help distract the fans while we temporarily block the video from social networking sites."

"As in... now?" the manager asked. "I mean, what will she talk about?"

He thought of it for a quick minute before answering. "Make her do a Q&A. That'll be enough to distract them for a while. Make sure to tell her to answer positive questions. Also, if a comment about the leak surfaces, tell her to answer it honestly."

"Secretary Jeon I don't think that's a good idea—"

"And why isn't it?"

All heads turn at the sudden interruption of a familiar voice. It was CEO Jung. Then their boss smiled.

"I think it's rather a clever idea," he continued. "Secretary Jeon, I'd like you to contact the head of PR and tell him to draft a statement regarding the incident. Also, tell the legal team that we'll sue whoever is behind this."

Jungkook nodded then bowed before doing what he was told. He made a few calls rounding from the PR team to the legal team. Then after that, it was time to do what he needed to do. He opened his SNS account.

The current top searches were all related to Lee Ji Eun and the MV. Some were still sharing the video here and there. He sighed. Then he started tapping on the device.

@ jieunismylife: please refrain from spreading the video leak. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 i know you are all excited but this might damage our Jieun's comeback.

A few seconds later, various replies started to pop up. Fans alike agreed to his sentiment and gave their two cents. But of course, with every fan, there is an anti-fan.

@ dumbitchIU: @jieunismylife it's clealy mediaplay. no one really listens to her nasal voice. Ewww. makes mo difference it if gets out early. flop. #flopIU #notalentjieun

He heaved a sigh before taking a screenshot of the post then copying the link to the user's profile.

Ever since the company released a statement saying that they'll sue whoever posts, comments or shares malicious comments on their artist, it's been easier to regulate the amount of hate they get. Also, it gets really tiring arguing to other people who clearly made up their minds on hating a particular person. He'll just waste time on that person. He'd rather put his attention to IU rather that arguing with internet trolls.

"Secretary Jeon?" said a soft feminine voice. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you also work at wee hours like this?"

Jungkook turned towards the owner and gave a slight bow—as he always would.

"Miss Park," he acknowledged then stood straight. "I have been informed about the leak of Miss Lee Ji Eun's latest comeback MV so we had to take action as soon as we could."

"Huh?" Rosé's eyes grew wide. "Her MV? Oh my gosh that's terrible! Ji Eun eonnie worked really hard on that one. It was the first one she had co-produced."

He gave the strawberry blonde a quick nod and smile.

"Yes but, the PR, Marketing and Legal departments are currently working on it," he explained politely. "CEO Jung also personally dealt it with."

"That's good news then," she stated smiling. "I do hope this wouldn't happen again. Ji Eun eonnie's been really stressed lately—"

"Stressed? Why? What's wrong? Does she eat well? Is she not feeling well?"

Rosé froze in shock at the sudden attack of questions. She blinked a couple times before recovering.

It was too late for Jungkook to realize what he has done. He cleared his throat at straightened his shirt a bit.

"I uh... I just didn't want our artists to have any problems," he tried to recover. "We do prioritize their well-being above everything else. Health is the most important thing, you know."

Awkwardly, he scratched the back of his neck.

"Uh... yeah. She's um... she's fine," the girl answered softly then cleared her throat. "Right. Thank you for the picnic date you've prepared for me and Jimin, by the way. I really appreciated it."

"Oh, it's no big deal," he immediately answered. "The company's the reason why Jimin's been very busy so it's the least we could do. And I thought it'll be much safer for the both of you to hold your date in the building to avoid getting caught by the media—"

Rosé's expression when from a cheerful one to a sad one. He panicked.

"I didn't mean it like that—"

"It's okay, Secretary Jeon," she replied with a small smile. "I'm not mad at you or anything. I'm really thankful that you're watching over us too even if it's not part of your job. I just... I just wish we could be a normal couple, you know? A normal boyfriend and girlfriend who can take trips together without hiding our faces. Or go out in restaurants without getting the whole place reserved. Or wall down in Myeongdong to shop freely without having to put on disguises..."

He can't help but feel sympathetic towards the female producer. He can clearly see how much she like him and he's very much made aware that the idol loves her too. Even if the media says he's a player, he's very much faithful to Miss Park.

"Don't worry, Miss Park," he said as he gave her a reassuring smile. "Time will come for all of those things to become a reality. We will figure out a way to make sure your relationship would be accepted by the general public soon."

Rosé's face lit up and she smiled. She knew it'll be impossible but, she felt like Secretary Jeon's words gave her hope. At least enough to hold on a bit much longer.

Jungkook gave the girl a slight bow after she had thanked him and left.

He proceeded to head to the top office. But as he made his way to the elevator, he heard faint music playing. It could be from the studios where he just passed. Or it could be from one of the practice rooms.

Looking at his watch, he was shocked that someone would still be practicing at this hour. It was unlikely for the trainees to be still practicing at this hour since they're only allowed to use the practice rooms until seven. Maybe it was Royal since their comeback is near?

He shook his head. Those guys. They don't know the term "rest" at all.

He took a detour before heading towards his office. It would take a few more minutes before the PR team and Legal team could give him the reports so why not drop by the group's practice and say hi.

Midway to the last practice room in the hallway, his eyebrows furrowed. It wasn't the usual EDM laced pop music the boys dance to. It was... a classical one. He might've heard the song before from a film or something.

Curious, he proceeded to open the room's door—as quietly as he possibly could, and check who it was.

"Holy sh—"

His hands went straight to his mouth as he watched a girl dancing gracefully to the sound of music. Each movement of her arms flowed in-sync with the music's ascensions. Her legs seemed to go on for days as she took one step after another. She lifted them at ease like it was part pf her daily routine to do splits in the air. His jaw almost fell of when she did a crisp turn then bent her back like there was no bone to connect it to her legs while her arms were raised, pointing back. She looked like a... the... that white elegant looking bird displaying her wings or something. The woman looked breathtaking.

Was she a trainee? An artist?

The music went on for another minute and every step she made took his breath away. It was like watching the music itself as it moved. Like she herself was made for the song—

Suddenly she fell after a sharp turn. It startled him that instead of standing back up, she threw something towards the mirror. It shattered.

Wait. Did she just damage the company's property?!

"Wh—"

The door suddenly bursted open and for some reason, he hid behind the folding chairs like an idiot. Why was he even hiding?

"Li!"

CEO Jung rushed towards the girl he didn't notice was already crying.

"Lili... it's okay," his boss said calming the girl down. "You'll get it soon. I know you will."

"It's not! I won't! It's over!"

Seeing as how things are looking, Jungkook silently made his way towards the exit— careful not to get caught. It seems like a private matter between the two so its best if he give them some privacy.

As soon as he reached the elevator, he let out a sigh. The girl was amazing. She was... perfect. But who was she? And why was she so mad—scratch that, frustrated?

Then his phone dinged. It seems like the drafts just came in.

Looks like it's gonna be a long night. Good thing he has IU's vlive to keep him company.

✨

"It's just the trauma. Her legs are a hundred percent fine, Mr. Jung..."

Lisa sat there silently as Hoseok threw her a quick glance before turning back to the doctor.

"We've ran some tests—even an MRI, to check and her injuries are completely healed," he explained further. "My guess is, your sister's suffering from PTSD. I recommend for her to check with a psychiatrist—"

"I'm fine," she cut the doctor off. "I just made a wrong turn and got frustrated. I must've just twisted it a bit that's why it hurt. It's nothing. I know I'm fucking fine so I don't need to see a shrink or whatever."

She stood up and walked out of the damned room.

She knows. And she doesn't need anyone to help her. They can't help her. It's a memory forever etched inside his brain and no amount of fucking therapies can alter that. There's no way. And she can never dance again. They're all a bunch of liars.

"Li—"

"Let's just go, Hobi," she said calmly. "It's late and you need to rest. You shouldn't be outside at this hour especially in a hospital where you can get infected by whatever air-borne virus this place has. I'm fine so don't worry about it. You know how I fast I lose patience—"

"Li, please listen to—"

"I said I'm fine!" she snapped shocking her brother. She immediately realized her mistake and apologized. "I... I'm sorry, Hobi. I just... I'm fine, okay? Please stop worrying about me and just focus on your recovery."

Hoseok was about to say something but he stopped himself. Instead, he heaved a sigh and wrapped his arms around his baby sister.

"If you say so, Li. But please... if you're not okay, tell me," he pleaded. "I'm your brother and I'm supposed to protect and take care of you."

"Before me, you should take care of yourself first, oppa," she argued. "Now that I'm here, I'll take over the company for you. I contacted some people I know in New York who specializes in cases like yours."

Jung Hoseok chuckled and playfully messed up his sister's hair.

"Okay." He then placed his arm around her shoulder. They headed out to the car waiting for them.

He prays to see her smile again. A smile full of life before he leaves. At least one last time before his sickness beats him out.

✨

Lisa closed the door to her room. She waited until she couldn't hear her brother's footsteps anymore before breaking down.

Tears fell on her cheeks one after another as she sat by the door with her forehead resting on her knees. She tried her best to recover. She tried so hard to be able to move her legs again. She suffered too many falls to be able to dance in front of an audience again. But that damned image kept popping inside her head. Like it's there to remind her that she's a failure. And that she'd never be good enough again.

That damned accident took everything from her.

✨

JHS Ent. Building
seoul, south korea

Jungkook adjusted his tie as he stood next to CEO Jung. To his surprise, the CEO was unnecessarily early today. He had this wide smile plastered on his face—though he's always smiling, and one can see in his twinkling eyes that something good was about to happen.

Then he was informed that Mr. Jung's sister was arriving today—well she arrived a few days ago, but it was today that she'll be formally introduced to the staff.

No one had a clue who she was. Or what she looked like. But after he saw the mysterious trainee a few nights ago—how the CEO reacted to her sudden outburst, he has concluded that the girl was none other than his sister. He tried searching for articles but there wasn't a single one that he could use for his research. And being a certified fanboy, not getting the information he needed meant these people hid it well.

"Bonjour!"

Both the two men's heads turn towards the loud shriek. CEO Jung's eyes grew wide as soon as he saw a brunette smiling oh-so-widely at him.

"Omo! Hoseok mon cherie!"

Jungkook saw how CEO Jung took a small step back. It was quite amazing how he stays unfazed in expression but you can clearly see how his body reacts. Like he was ready to sprint away.

Clad with designer items from head to toe, Director Kim's one and only daughter, Jennie Kim—who prefers to be addressed as Jennifer, sprinted towards the CEO and latched herself on to him. She was all smiley and excited. It took him a great deal of self control to stop himself from laughing at how his boss looked frozen. Following behind the girl is a tall man dressed in a black suit carrying her Chanel purse—one he knew was really hard to get since it was the same bag he got for IU's birthday project. Secretary Kim looked pretty much stoic as he followed the young Miss around.

"Hoseok-ie oppa! I missed you!" Jennie Kim exclaimed in her aegyo filled voice. "I'm so sorry it took me a while to come and visit you. I was in Paris for fashion week."

Oh, and she's also a model. She's part of JHS Entertainment's roster of models.

"Oh, hi Secretary Jeon," she said as she waved with her fingers.

Then her attention went back to the CEO who managed to slip his arm off the girl while she was distracted.

"Oppa, why are you out here in the lobby?" she asked confusedly. Then her eyes grew wide as well as her smile. "Did you happen to know I was coming? And you're here to welcome me back? Omo! I'm so touched! Manifique!"

"Uh... hi, Jen," the young CEO replied with a forced smile. "I uh... didn't—"

The chattering within the lobby suddenly grew silent and all they can hear are clunks from someone's heels.

In slow motion everyone's gazes flew towards the entrance as a tall woman—in a high ponytail and bloody red lipstick, strutted towards their direction. Her presence demanded everyone's attention. Judging how the way her pantsuit screamed flawless, he's sure it was either tailored to fit her or it was from a designer brand. It didn't help that the clunking of her shoes were from a pair of red metallic Louboutins—like the pair he also bought for the birthday project but of different color.

She also had a big pair of sunglasses on which she removed as soon as she came to a halt in front of us.

His eyes grew wide as our gazes locked.

"You!"

✨