POV: Ryu Minho
The streets of Seoul shimmered under neon lights as I walked back from rehearsal, earbuds blasting a track I'd been working on alone. But the music barely registered; my mind was on Ara and… him. Jihoon.
APEX's leader—or at least the one who everyone whispered about as Ara's admirer—was a perfect idol stereotype: flawless choreography, effortless vocals, and a confidence that radiated like heat from a fire. Every time he smiled at Ara, the entire room seemed to tilt. I clenched my fists, telling myself to focus, to survive, to sing, but my chest twisted in a knot I didn't know how to untangle.
---
The next day, FLUX Entertainment announced a joint rehearsal space for Syndicate and other top idols, including APEX.
When I stepped into the shared studio, the tension was palpable. APEX's polished image practically radiated off the walls. Every member moved in perfect synchrony, every expression carefully calculated, like puppets dancing on invisible strings.
And there he was—Jihoon—smirking at me before Ara even arrived.
"Ah… you must be Minho," he said smoothly, voice dripping with amusement. "I've heard… interesting things about your little 'duet.'"
I froze for a moment. The words weren't a threat—they were a challenge. A spotlight, a gauntlet thrown down. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the familiar anger building.
Before I could answer, Ara appeared. Her presence was magnetic, every movement a study in elegance. She shot me a quick glance, but I couldn't tell what it meant—concern? Reassurance? Both?
"Minho," she said softly, almost a whisper, but loud enough for me to hear. "Don't let him get to you."
I nodded, swallowing hard. I won't.
---
Rehearsal began.
APEX performed first, their synchronization perfect, their smiles wide, energy untouchable. The crowd watching us through the studio windows—a mix of staff, interns, and a few reporters—was already buzzing with excitement.
Then it was Syndicate's turn.
I felt the familiar weight of Hyunwoo's gaze on me. Focus. Don't falter. Jisoo and Taeyang were grinning nervously beside me, trying to lighten the mood, but even their playful energy couldn't drown out the tension.
The music started, and I moved. Every step, every beat, every note mattered. And then I saw it: Jihoon leaning slightly toward Ara, smiling, whispering something that made her laugh softly. My chest constricted, and for a heartbeat, I lost my rhythm.
Hyunwoo's voice cut sharply through the music, internalized fury I could sense without hearing. "Minho. Eyes forward. Focus."
I blinked, forcing my thoughts away from Ara and Jihoon. Focus. Survive. Sing.
I took a deep breath and let the music guide me. My voice, raw and powerful, filled the room. For a moment, it wasn't just a song—it was a declaration. A challenge to anyone who thought I was just a "puppet."
And Ara… Ara turned toward me mid-rehearsal, eyes wide, her smile faint but real. The brief connection gave me strength, though it also reminded me of the line I wasn't supposed to cross.
---
Later, outside the studio, the rumor mill began to spin. Staff whispered about the chemistry between Ara and me, the harmony that seemed to transcend professionalism. Social media accounts had already begun piecing together clues from the leaked duet.
And Jihoon? He was smug, confident. Ara didn't seem fazed by his antics, but I could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface.
---
That evening, I collapsed onto my bed in the dorm, muscles aching, voice raw from overuse, mind racing. Jisoo and Taeyang plopped beside me, grinning.
"Man, you're like… a volcano," Jisoo said. "So much raw energy, it's scary. Jihoon doesn't even know what hit him."
Taeyang nodded, dramatically pretending to wipe sweat from his brow. "Yeah. But careful, dude. This rivalry… it's not just fun and games. APEX isn't messing around."
I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. The rivalry wasn't just external; it was internal. My jealousy, my desire to protect Ara, my fear of losing her attention—it all tangled inside me like a storm.
And then there was Hyunwoo. His warning from the last episode still echoed: If you ruin this band… I'll destroy you myself.
I couldn't help but wonder: could I survive both Hyunwoo's wrath and the storm that was Jihoon?
---
The next morning brought an unexpected rehearsal twist. CEO Park Jun-seok had decided to broadcast part of our joint rehearsal as a teaser for fans. Cameras were rolling. The pressure was enormous.
Ara stood beside Jihoon briefly before moving to my side. "Minho," she whispered, "just sing. Forget him."
I nodded, swallowing hard. The music started, and I poured every ounce of emotion into my voice. Every note carried the anger, jealousy, and passion that had been simmering for days. My movements became sharper, my voice stronger, and the connection with Ara… undeniable.
The cameras captured every glance, every harmony, every tension-filled step. And when the rehearsal ended, the room erupted in applause—staff, idols, and even some APEX members nodded in silent acknowledgment.
Jihoon's smirk faltered slightly, and Ara gave me a brief, almost imperceptible nod of approval.
---
Ending Scene:
Later, alone in the practice room, I stared at my reflection in the mirrored wall. My chest heaved, my voice hoarse, but my eyes burned with determination.
Somewhere in Seoul, Ara sat in her apartment, staring at her phone. A faint smile curved her lips. This boy… he's dangerous. But maybe… he's the only one who can match me.
Outside, the city hummed with life, paparazzi buzzing, fans speculating, and the storm of rivalry, jealousy, and unspoken feelings building.
And I knew, deep down, that the sparks between us weren't just music—they were a fire waiting to ignite, and it would change everything.