POV: Ryu Minho
The office smelled faintly of polished wood and ambition, a scent I was starting to associate with FLUX Entertainment—and unfortunately, with manipulative games.
CEO Park Jun-seok was waiting, seated behind his immaculate desk. His expression was calm, almost casual, but the sharpness in his eyes warned me that today was serious.
"Minho," he said smoothly, "I've noticed… distractions. A duet, a collaboration, perhaps?"
I swallowed, my throat dry. "I… I don't know what you mean."
Park's smile returned, razor-sharp. "Of course. I just want what's best for Syndicate—and for you, Minho. Remember, your rise isn't just about talent. It's about control."
Before I could respond, the office door swung open, and a man in his early thirties stepped in. Sharp suit, crisp haircut, and an aura that made you sit up straight immediately. Clipboard in hand, he had that professional-but-slightly-mischievous energy that screamed been-there, done-that, knows how to survive in the idol world.
"This must be Minho," he said, scanning me like a hawk. "I'm Lee Hyunsoo, your new manager. And yes, I'm fully aware of your 'distractions.' Don't worry—I'll make sure you survive this circus."
I blinked, unsure how to respond. Park ignored the awkward moment.
"Hyunsoo will be your guide, Minho," Park said smoothly. "Keep your focus. Don't let… personal matters interfere with your growth."
Hyunsoo gave me a faint grin. "Personal matters? Right. Don't worry. I've handled worse. Now, let's see if we can make you untouchable without turning you into a robot."
Something about the man was reassuring, even if his smirk suggested he enjoyed chaos more than he let on.
---
POV: Han Ara
From my apartment, I scrolled through my phone, heart heavy. I couldn't get the image of Minho's tense expression out of my mind. The duet we recorded in secret had caused a ripple—fans speculating, snippets circulating online.
Then a text from my father:
"Stay away from him. A boy from the streets doesn't belong in your world."
My chest tightened. I hated that he still had control over me. Every instinct screamed to defy him, to go to Minho, to protect him as he had somehow protected me in that recording studio.
I shook my head. No. I have to focus. But even as I said it, my fingers hovered over my phone, wanting to send him a message: Meet me. Tonight.
---
POV: Ryu Minho
Hyunsoo wasted no time. Within minutes, he had me running through schedules, interviews, vocal drills, and media training. His methods were strict, yes, but also oddly practical. He cracked jokes occasionally, easing the tension, and I realized quickly: he understood the pressure of the idol world—and he was determined to shield me from the worst of it.
"First lesson, rookie," he said, pointing a finger at me. "The world will try to eat you alive. Fans love you. Anti-fans hate you. Competitors will exploit everything. And CEO Park… well, let's just say he has his own interests. My job is to make sure you survive the storm."
I nodded, swallowing hard. Somehow, his presence made me feel… safer. Not invincible, but ready to face the chaos.
---
Comic relief came in the form of Jisoo and Taeyang, who somehow sneaked into the office while I was reviewing schedules with Hyunsoo.
"Minho!" Taeyang whispered dramatically from behind a potted plant. "We've infiltrated the enemy headquarters!"
Jisoo struck a heroic pose, clipboard in hand. "Fear not! Operation Bodyguard is in effect. No evil manager or overbearing CEO can touch you!"
Hyunsoo raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Somehow, he seemed amused.
I groaned. "You guys are impossible."
"Impossible?" Jisoo gasped. "We're legendary!"
Even in the storm of CEO threats and rival idols, these two idiots somehow made things feel lighter.
---
POV: Han Ara
The next day, I attended a high-profile press event. My agency monitored every move, reporters flashed cameras relentlessly, and online speculation about Minho had reached a fever pitch.
I clenched my fists as Jihoon from APEX lingered near me, pretending to casually brush against my arm. His charm was deliberate, his smile designed to provoke.
I took a deep breath. Stay focused, Ara. But my mind betrayed me. I remembered the duet, Minho's voice blending with mine, the sparks in that recording studio. My heart ached with the forbidden thrill of it all.
I wanted to text him. To see him. To defy the rules that governed my life and meet him, alone, in the city lights.
---
POV: Ryu Minho
Hyunsoo introduced me to a new system for managing fan speculation and media attention.
"Minho," he said, voice firm but warm, "the duet is powerful. But it's also a weapon. Fans love it, anti-fans hate it. Your job? Survive the storm and don't let anyone exploit it. I'll handle the damage control. You focus on singing. And trust me—if Jihoon or anyone else tries to interfere, I'll make it messy. Very messy."
I nodded. Somehow, knowing that Hyunsoo had my back made the pressure feel lighter. I wasn't alone. Not completely.
---
That evening, I received a text from Ara:
"I know it's hard. Don't let them control your heart. I'll find you."
My chest tightened. Dangerous. Reckless. Forbidden. And yet… I wanted to hear her voice again. I wanted to harmonize with her. I wanted our melody to continue.
---
Ending Scene:
Later, in the empty practice room, Jisoo and Taeyang were hiding snacks behind potted plants like secret agents. Hyunsoo was reviewing schedules at a desk, occasionally smirking at their antics. And I stood near the window, staring at the darkened skyline outside, phone in hand, rereading Ara's text.
Somewhere in Seoul, Ara was staring at her own skyline, thinking of me, thinking of the duet, thinking of the dangerous, thrilling melody we had started together.
CEO Park could try to control me. Hyunwoo could glare daggers at me. Jihoon could taunt and flirt. But no one could touch the music between us. That was ours.
And maybe, just maybe, it was worth all the risk.