The car was filled with tension as Heewon and Kang Yejun sat quietly together. Yejun sat sternly in the driver's seat, looking out the window with an unreadable expression. Heewon watched him carefully, trying to understand what he was feeling. Outside, the streetlights cast shadows that danced in the car.
Even though they exchanged occasional glances, neither of them spoke. Yejun's hands rested ontop of a silver tray balanced on his lap, filled with an array of gourmet dishes, fingers subtly tapping to a rhythm, he seemed unfazed by Heewon's presence or the situation.
The aroma of the meticulously prepared lunch wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of leather from the car's plush interior.
The sounds of the city outside made the silence inside even more noticeable.
Heewon hesitated, caught in the delicate balance between breaking the silence and respecting the unspoken boundaries.
The passing scenery reflected in Yejun's eyes, but his thoughts remained veiled.
Heewon took a deep breath, breaking the silence that hung between them. "Yejun, are you absolutely sure about canceling the photoshoot and turning down that big-time offer? This could be a turning point for your career."
Kang Yejun look side from the window, his expression nonchalant. "I've made up my mind. I won't be a part of that project."
Heewon's brows furrowed, concern etching lines on his forehead. "Yejun, think about the advantages. Fans love their Idol being hot and sensual, right? Look at Joonho, Always choosing sexy concept," He arrange his eye glass and cough a little. "Well not always but he usually choose sexy concept. This offer could lift your career to new heights. It's not just about the money, it's about exposure, opportunities."
Kang Yejun began unwrapping the dish on his lap, which was stored in a plastic container, unfazed by Heewon's plea. "I appreciate your efforts, but I'm not interested in that kind of project."
Heewon ran a hand through his face, visibly worried. "Yejun, you've worked so hard to get to this point. Turning down this offer feels like dismissing all your efforts."
Kang Yejun sighed, his eyes shift to the passing scenario. "Heewon, I respect your dedication, really, but my decision is final. I won't be a part of that project, even if it means frustrating you."
Heewon leaned forward, his voice tinged with desperation. He will used the method of making kang Yejun guilty, maybe this could make him rethink. Kang Yejun maybe hard outside but inside, his very soft like a bungeo-ppang. "I've done everything to secure this offer for you. Don't you feel a sense of responsibility towards the team that supports you?"
Nervously uttering those words, he felt an added layer of anxiety, wondering how Kang Yejun would react but for the sake of his artist succeeding, he will do this. Canceling the offer would a big loss. He can't handle such a setback. Plus, it might make Kang Yejun even more famous than Seo Joonho. The stakes were high, and Heewon is determined to handle it well for the sake of his artist and their future success.
Kang Yejun sighed, setting down his fork. "Heewon, again, I respect your dedication, but my decision is final. I won't compromise with that kind of offer."
Heewon paused before bringing up a delicate subject. "Yejun, it's about that 'Illness' right? I understand your concerns, but It's impacting your options."
Kang Yejun fell into silence. Yes, His manager was right. He doesn't want to take the offer no matter what it gives him in return because of his cursed 'Illness.'
Heewon nodded, choosing his words carefully. "I know, Yejun, the photoshoot involves intimate touch. It's crucial for the concept. If we eliminate that aspect, it might not have the same impact."
Kang Yejun's gaze hardened. "Heewon, I will repeat this over and over until you get it in your head, I won't compromise my boundaries. I won't engage in something that makes me uncomfortable, regardless of the success it will bring me."
Heewon leaned back, acknowledging the challenge of making Yejun agree. "I understand, but consider the bigger picture. We can't always mold every project to fit our comfort zones. Sometimes, we have to endure discomfort for the sake of art."
Kang Yejun, once again remained silent, his
expression unreadable. The car kept moving through the city, and the silence between them grew, with a slight tension in the air.
Heewon, not giving up, spoke once more. "Yejun, I'm not asking you to abandon your principles, but maybe there's a middle ground. Suppressing it just for the duration of the shoot could be an adjustment."
Kang Yejun's eyes narrowed slightly. "Heewon, I won't suppress anything for the sake of a project." He coughed and averted his eyes, " Plus, it's not about enduring physical discomfort, it's about staying true to myself.'
Heewon rolled his eyes when he heard the word 'staying true to himself.' "Stop saying that, it's making me gross,"
Heewon sighed, realizing they will be stuck where they are. "I just want what's best for you, Yejun. This opportunity is a rare one, and I believe it could bring hugem success."
Kang Yejun's silence hung heavy in the air as the car continued its journey. The cityscape outside remained indifferent to the internal struggle within the confines of the luxurious vehicle.
Heewon, despite the awkwardness, remained resolute. "Yejun, I know this is difficult, but consider the possibilities. Success often requires navigating through uncomfortable moments."
Kang Yejun firmly stated to Heewon, "I won't accept the offer. I won't let anyone touch me, I don't care if its effective or not. They can drool with my shirt and pants neatly on. My decision won't change, regardless of the consequences."
Heewon sighed, looking frustrated and worried. He glanced at Yejun, who seemed determined, causing Heewon to worry about missed chances.
The city lights created a colorful pattern inside the car, Heewon shifted his gaze back to the road, thinking his next move.
The scent of their abandoned lunch lingered, a metaphorical reminder of the untouched possibilities hanging in the air.
The passing scenery mirrored the intricate dance of their conversation. Yejun's profile remained stoic, but the vulnerability in his eyes hinted at the internal struggle. Heewon, torn between loyalty and the pursuit of success, wrestled with the unspoken tension that enveloped them.
Kang Yejun leaned against the car window, his breath creating small clouds in the crisp December air. Outside, a quiet charm enveloped the scene as people strolled down the bustling street, bundled in warm layers.
Despite the chill, laughter echoed through the air, and smiles adorned the faces of those passing by. The bare trees, their branches etched against the pale sky, hinted at the season.
Yejun absorbed the tranquil atmosphere, feeling a sense of calm settle within him. The soft colors of winter made a nice background for their time together. He found comfort in the calm, chilly December day.
As he observed the joyful scenes outside, a twinge of envy tugged at Yejun's heart.
He couldn't help but wish for the carefree camaraderie he witnessed, a sense of belonging that seemed just out of reach. The city's embrace of togetherness highlighted his loneliness, leaving him yearning for connections that mirrored the warmth of the winter day.
For 20 minutes, Kang Yejun immersed himself in thinking, thoughts swirling around the big-time offer and the cancelled photoshoot.
The weight of the decision hung in the air as he wrestled with the potential consequences for his career.
However, a subtle shift occurred within those moments. As he delved deeper into the imagery of the photoshoot, a picture of someone's hands reaching out, Fingers brushed delicately against his arm and on his body, an unexpected discomfort emerged.
The envisioned touch stirred an instinctive shake of his head, a silent refusal thoughts echoed in the deep parts of his mind. The idea of being touched made Yejun shake his head instinctively. He felt uncomfortable sensations on his skin.
It wasn't a gentle caress but rather an invasive feeling, akin to tiny creatures crawling down his flesh. The disgust welled up within him, a strong physical response that left him yearning to rid himself of this discomfort.
The urge to vomit gnawed at him as he struggled with the unsettling invasion of his senses. As he thought more about the feeling of someone touching him, Yejun found himself enveloped in an unexpected and unsettling experience.
His body shook intensely that surpassed mere tremors, it was a convulsion, a rhythmic dance of discomfort that seemed to come from deep within. It was like an unseen force had taken over, making him convulse.
Huddled in a defensive stance, he cowered, his body contorting as if shielding itself from an unseen threat. Fear etched across his face, he forcefully clamped his hand over his mouth, desperately trying to stifle the impending urge to vomit.
The surroundings, once familiar, now loomed with an ominous presence, intensifying his struggle against the overwhelming discomfort.
Heewon, his manager, observed Kang Yejun's distress with a furrowed brow, genuine concern etched across his face.
With a compassionate sigh, Heewon swiftly reached into his bag and get a small container. It contained a calming remedy to help with discomfort. Kang Yejun didn't hesitate to take it.
He eagerly accepted the offered drug and, with quick, decisive movements, washed away the unpleasant sensations with measured gulps from the bottle of water conveniently at his side.
As time passed, Kang Yejun's convulsions gradually ceased, leaving him fatigued and big bullets of sweat. He released a heavy sigh, leaning wearily against the seat. His hands, once clenched in distress, slowly unfurled into open palms, revealing the lingering frustration that weighed on him.
"Thank you..."