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News broke out that Jay is seeking therapy, and on Twitter, someone leaked the hospital's address. Suspicions are pointing towards a staff member as the source of the leak, adding a disturbing layer to his already challenging journey toward healing.

Jay stepped into the meeting room, greeted by the stern expressions of the PR team and his visibly agitated manager.

"I explicitly told you to keep a low profile if you want to get back on stage, and by 'laying low,' I mean avoiding any scandals," the manager reproached, his frustration evident.

"What's the harm in revealing that I go to therapy?" Jay inquired, genuinely puzzled by the manager's heightened displeasure.

The manager rolled his eyes, a sigh escaping him before he responded, "Do you think I'm oblivious to the way you look at her? The person who posted those pictures definitely caught on."

The head of the PR team chimed in, "So, we'll now focus on a new image for Jay. Your new role in the group is the therapist friend. You'll have to talk about mental health more on your lives to show fans that you're getting better."

Jay sighed, a sense of exasperation evident, as he realized they were essentially rebranding something he had been doing all along. The irony wasn't lost on him, as he contemplated the somewhat perplexing strategy devised by their seemingly stupid PR team.

Jay returned to his dorm, his mood already dampened, only to find his members gathered in the living room, visibly concerned about his well-being. Heeseung, being the older bandmate, took the initiative to approach Jay and offer solace.

"Hey, Jay, you know it's not your fault, right?" Heeseung's voice carried a comforting reassurance. "You've got to prioritize your mental well-being. We'll face this together, and if therapy is what you need, then it's worth fighting for."

Jungwon, as their leader, stepped forward, asserting their collective support. "Jay hyung, take a deep breath. We're not letting anyone dictate your well-being. Therapy has been your choice, and we stand by it. Your mental health matters more than any public image."

Moved by the unwavering support of his bandmates, Jay found himself surrounded by the group, and they embraced in a heartfelt group hug.

He was now laying down on his bed as he scrolled through the comments under his new post, a post prompted by the marketing team's decision to maintain visibility, he was taken aback.

Surprisingly, the comments were filled with supportive and uplifting words. It seemed that, against all odds, the majority of K-pop fans were standing by his side at this moment. He couldn't help but speculate that whoever exposed him was likely fuming with rage at the unexpected turn of support.

A knock on the door interrupted his contemplation, and Ni-ki entered, saying, "Hyung, we're going out to this new restaurant. Do you want to come with us?"

"Nah, thank you though," Jay replied, a faint smile on his face. "But get me something from there; I'm starving."

As the members finally left, Jay found himself alone in the room. A subtle wave of fear washed over him because, in solitude, his thoughts tended to take control.

Alone in the room, Jay felt the weight of his solitude pressing down on him. In the silence, his thoughts, usually kept at bay by the noise and distractions of everyday life, started to emerge like shadows in the dark corners of his mind. The quietude became a canvas for his deepest fears, insecurities, and haunting memories to paint themselves vividly.

His mind, an echo chamber of self-doubt and unease, amplified the anxieties that he usually managed to suppress. Every unresolved issue, every criticism, and every painful memory seemed to resurface with an unsettling clarity. It was as if, in the absence of external distractions, his inner demons grew louder, their voices more pronounced and insistent.

Jay's heart raced as the room seemed to shrink around him, suffocating him with the weight of his thoughts. In this state of vulnerability, he grappled with a fear of the unknown, of what might come bubbling up from the depths of his psyche when left to its own devices.

It was a chilling reminder that sometimes, the scariest place to be is within the confines of one's own mind, especially when left alone to confront the ghosts that linger in its hidden corners.

Unconsciously, he discovered his fingers dialing the number of the woman who seemed to have him wrapped around her finger. The phone rang, and Jay couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

He thought she wouldn't answer; it was Sunday, after all. She was probably sleeping. Yet, knowing Sora too well, he couldn't shake the idea that she might be engrossed in one of her big books, losing herself in its vast pages.

The phone continued to ring, each ring resonating with the uncertainty that lingered in Jay's mind.

"Oh hi, Mr. Park! Why are you calling me today?"

"Did you see the news?"

"No... why? What happened?"

"The entire world knows you're my therapist. Hell, the reporters are probably in front of the clinic right now."

"Oh... that's a mess. And how are you feeling?"

"Like shit... But I'll feel better if you come right now to the dorms."

"I can't go to your company. I don't think your manager will be happy seeing me, as it is highly unprofessional to meet outside of the clinic."

"I'll fucking kill myself if you don't come right now."

She immediately hangs up, leaving Jay with a mix of guilt and desperation. He knows he guilt-tripped her, but the overwhelming need to see her, even if it defied professional boundaries, was consuming him.

The weight of his emotions pushed him to the edge, where the only lifeline seemed to be the presence of the one person who understood him.

After 15 minutes, Sora sent him a text, informing him that she was standing in front of the company. Aware of the lurking sasaengs and the potential career-ending scandal, Jay swiftly ordered a staff member to fetch her discreetly.

The delicate balance of his public image was hanging by a thread, and any misstep or breathing in the same direction as a woman could lead to irreparable consequences.

As he anxiously waited for her to safely enter the building, Jay couldn't shake off the realization that even seeking comfort had become a perilous endeavor in the unforgiving world he inhabited.

Sora entered the dorm and was quite surprised at its medium size, wondering how these seven men managed to fit in. What caught her off guard even more was how clean it was. Knowing a bit about men, she was under the impression they rarely bothered to clean up after themselves.

Jay seemed to pick up on her thoughts and tried to impress her, saying, "You're surprised at how clean the dorm is, right? Well, I'm responsible for cleaning it."

Sora chuckled to herself, catching onto his attempt to show off. She refused to boost his ego, though, and went to the living room table, running her finger over it. "There's some dust here."

"You sound like my mom," Jay retorted, a playful glint in his eye.

Jay led her to his room, and it truly reflected his personality. Sora realized she didn't know what to expect Jay's room to look like. It wasn't like those family-friendly rooms radiating warmth in the middle of the bustling city or the modern rooms she had seen in the countryside. It wasn't plain either. Instead, it looked like an artist's room, with a collection of different guitars that amazed her as she touched them with her hand.

"Here," Jay's voice pulled her back from her reverie, and she tore her eyes from the guitars to look at him handing her a mug of coffee.

"Thanks," she said, taking it and sipping. She expected it to be bitter, but surprisingly, it was a bit sweet.

Jay noticed her interest in his guitars and couldn't be happier. "That's my baby guitar; it's called Woody. The electric one is called Jack; I filmed my 'Standing Next to You' cover using it."

She was amazed. "You covered 'Standing Next to You'? No way!"

After placing the mug on the coffee table, Sora settled on the couch across from Jay. "How are you feeling about the news?" she inquired.

"It's messed up. The company is now telling me to stop going to therapy," Jay revealed.

"And will you?"

"Fuck no. We can have sessions at my apartment; it's better, and I think it's more comfortable since you won't run into my members."

Nodding to herself, Sora finished sipping her coffee. When the session concluded, and she was about to leave, she paused in the hallway, glancing back at the window in the living room.

"Mr. Park, I think it'd be better if the dark, heavy curtains were drawn to the side, letting some sunlight into the living room."

"What now? You're an interior designer now?" he asked, and the playful but mischievous smile akin to a smirk he has on his lips means that he was only jesting with what he said. Though she didn't take it light-heartedly.

"No," she said. "But the things that surround us can affect our minds. I'm saying this because your place seems dark and gloomy."

Jay looked back at the window in his living room, then back at her. After a moment, she realized he had lifted his hand when she felt his knuckle lightly brush the side of her lips.

"Why are you like this?"

"Like what?"

"So..." Jay trailed off, searching for the right word. "Unexcitingly professional."

"Have I not always been like this?"

He held her chin lightly to prevent her from looking away. His thumb brushed her lower lip, and she glanced down before meeting his eyes again. Jay chuckled dryly before shaking his head.

"And here I thought you'd be flustered enough when you remember the things we've done."

"I am," she said. "I'm just good at hiding it. And it's not like—"

She was suddenly cut off when she felt his soft lips on hers. Unlike the time in her apartment a few weeks ago, he didn't force his way in this time. Instead, he gave her a light peck before leaning back, the smirk playing along his lips suggesting he could do more than that.

"And let's be real, a kiss won't rewrite our story," she continued. "This isn't some fairy tale where a magical peck transforms everything."

"So, you're into those fantasy tales?" he teased, his smirk widening. "But don't expect me to be your Prince Charming."

"I know," she replied, offering a smile as she took a step forward.

As she moved, Jay smoothly intercepted her path, leaning against the wall and blocking her way. "Mr. Park," she said, but he gently held her chin, his thumb lightly grazing her lower lip.

"Jay," he insisted. "Give it a try. Say my name."

"Sure, if you give me some space first."

He complied, stepping back and retracting his hand.

"Thanks," she said. "Jay."

"Ah, damn," he muttered, briefly closing his eyes. Then, he leaned against the wall again, lowering his head. When he looked up, he said, "You've always stuck with 'Mr. Park,' so hearing you say my name just once messes with my head."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Sora retorted with a playful grin.

"You don't have to." Jay lowered his hand and leaned back. Sora was about to head to the door when Jay suddenly nudged her gently to the wall, leaning in, attempting to kiss her for the last time.

"Stop, what if your members come right now?"

"They won't. They're out for lunch, and plus, I need energy for the rest of the day."

"And what does kissing have to do with that?"

"Shut up."

Then he leaned in and kissed her, momentarily stealing her breath. Lost in their paradise, they both didn't hear the door opening.

"Ah, I forgot my wallet."

Their moment got abruptly interrupted by Sunoo's loud gasp that echoed through the room. Startled, she found Jake standing nearby, glancing around awkwardly.

Thinking on her feet, Sora attempted to play it cool. She pushed Jay away, who rubbed the nape of his neck with an awkward smile. "See you next session, Ms. Jung," Jay said, bowing.

Stammering and with her head held low, Sora managed to respond, "Ye-yes, till next time, Mr. Park." She turned to leave, only to accidentally step back into Jay's room.

"Ahaha, silly me, wrong door..." she awkwardly laughed, attempting to save face.

Jay, being a gentleman, guided her back to the doorway, his hand resting on her back. However, instead of leaving it at that, he decided to tease her further. His hands playfully ran up and down her back making her even more flustered.

As she took a step forward, she accidentally stepped on his foot with her heels. Jay, with a pained grin, attempted to hide the discomfort, while Sora blushed even more.

Jay walked back to find his two members gaping at him.

Sunoo, with absolutely no shame, asked, "Hyung, do you go to a sex therapist?"

Jake promptly hit him on the back of his head, immediately shutting him up.

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quick still monster or blind?