"If you don't go along with my decision, I will make sure you bear a cut like this every single day,"
"I wouldn't mind if they doubled, as long as it meant you would be there with me every day."
13 hours earlier.
"I want to break up with you."
"That would be a bit too personal. How about saying something that addresses the whole room?"
"Yeah, you're right. Let's try this again. I want to end my engagement with the prince."
"Good approach. How about you add a little smirk? You know, like mocking them, but not really—since you can't actually mock the royal family."
"What if I act nonchalant? As if I don't care about what I'm doing—like saying it without a second thought. It's what I've been meaning to do."
"Exactly! That's the way to go. If you're eating, just keep eating, or take a sip of your wine as you say it. It'll really emphasize how fed up you are with the prince's behavior."
"What if he insults me or someone else in response? I don't even know him well enough to guess whether he'll lash out. I wouldn't be able to hold back if he does."
"The best way to handle a confrontation is to look calm and collected, making them believe you don't care about what you're saying. Just exude genuine 'I don't care about you' energy."
"Thank you so much for helping me with this. I don't think I would have known what to say otherwise."
"It's okay; watching dramas comes in handy."
Just as the two were having their secluded conversation under the blanket with the lights dimmed, the door suddenly swung open. Jay rushed in with strong steps and snatched the blanket away from them, followed by the other members, Woo-Bin and Haruto. Under the blanket were Ha-Neul and the group's youngest member, Wuhao, discussing what Ha-Neul was planning to say when he announced the annulment of his engagement and the contract with Hwanghae, Jae-Yul's company.
Haruto grabbed Wuhao by the ear, and along with Woo-Bin, the third oldest member, dragged him out as they scolded him for missing the morning workout. Jay stood with his arms crossed while Ha-Neul immediately knelt down. Ha-Neul, Jay, and Eui-Jin were expected to have dinner with the royal family later that evening, and Ha-Neul had missed his appointment with the makeup artist. Jay wasn't aware of Ha-Neul's plans, so the only thing Ha-Neul could do was make excuses. He got off by saying he was nervous about meeting the king after the latest article about his relationship with Jae-Yul, which left Jay unable to respond and he ultimately let Ha-Neul off the hook.
"I wish I could be there," Wuhao sighed, taking a long sip from his water bottle after being put through an intense blend of workout and dance practice by his senior members. His muscles ached, a testament to the rigorous training they always faced. "We have the award show performance coming up soon, and you're still thinking about going to a dinner?" Woo-Bin said, settling down next to him, wearing an expression that balanced concern and exasperation as he glanced across the studio where Haruto was diligently perfecting his routines.
Wuhao's brow furrowed, a pout forming on his lips. "It's just that we're always here, pouring our hearts into practice, while those two seem to enjoy a life outside," he mumbled, his thoughts following the more carefree life of Ha-Neul and Jay, who appeared to navigate their evenings with ease.
"You can't really say that it's fun for them," Woo-Bin countered sharply, his voice steady yet pointed. "What would it feel like to be engaged to someone who treats you like dirt? Or how would you endure the pressure of living up to high expectations simply for being from a noble family?" His retort hung in the air, filled with the weight of reality. "While we are fortunate enough to chase only our dreams, they are dealing with things that can get tiring."
Wuhao listened, the weight of Woo-Bin's words settling into his conscience. "Think about Jay Hyung," Woo-Bin continued. "After training for eleven grueling years, he still has to balance being our leader with his duties as the eldest son of the Hwang family. And Ha-Neul Hyung? Despite achieving massive success, he faces the reality of marrying someone against his will for the sake of his family and us."
Haruto, having wrapped up his practice, rushed over and gently patted Wuhao's back as he intervened. "Hey, don't be too hard on yourself," he said, a warm but firm tone in his voice. "You trained for only three months, yet you debuted as our best dancer. You were just fifteen when Jay Hyung recruited you, which shows how talented you are. The reason we're here, dedicating ourselves to practice while they are out there, is that we represent the evolving talent of the group, while our Hyungs bear the responsibility of upholding the group's public image. And it's not like they're having fun. They have to bear the burden of being someone they aren't. Do you really think that they don't want to be here and practice with us when they're the ones who actively participated in making us who we are today?"
Haruto's logic resonated deeply with Wuhao as he reflected on their journey. It was apparent that Ha-Neul and Jay had reached a level in their careers where continual practice was not a necessity; their skills had become instinctual, ingrained from years of hard work. The reality was stark—Wuhao, Haruto, and Woo-Bin were still young and learning and had only their talents as their strengths, with Haruto's past experience of being eliminated from a survival show because of his looks. He understood all too well what it felt like when his talent went unrecognized, highlighting the immense value Jay had placed on them by nurturing a space that prioritized their abilities over public scrutiny.
It became evident to Wuhao that the older members faced relentless judgment not merely based on their talents but on their personal circumstances and societal roles. As for the rest of the group, their worth would be judged primarily by their skills and artistry. Haruto's insight illuminated the reality of their situation, showcasing the complexities of fame, family, and the quest for personal identity amidst the pressures of their chosen paths.
"Are you feeling nervous?" Jay inquired, his eyes fixated on Ha-Neul, who was anxiously tapping his legs and pinching his wrist. Despite Ha-Neul's quick denial, his fidgeting betrayed him, prompting Jay to grasp his hand gently and plant his palm firmly on his leg. "Is something bothering you?" Ha-Neul avoided Jay's gaze, fully aware that he could easily discern when he was trying to conceal his feelings. "If you're anxious about the article, we can always cancel the dinner," Jay reassured him. However, Ha-Neul simply shook his head, withdrawing his hand from Jay's grasp only to sit on it—a familiar gesture he adopted when engulfed by intense anxiety.
As they exited the car, Jay turned to Eui-Jin, observing Ha-Neul walking a few paces behind them with concern. "Is there something wrong with him?" he asked softly. Eui-Jin glanced back, sighing as he took in Ha-Neul's weary expression. "He's likely grappling with guilt. I mentioned that he could get out of the engagement with Prince Jae-Yul, and he might be feeling guilty over it," Eui-Jin speculated. Jay nodded thoughtfully, his eyes drifting back to Ha-Neul, whose fatigue was increasingly evident.
Upon entering the grand foyer, they were greeted by the imposing figure of King Wang Jae-Hwan, who stood with an air of expectancy alongside Jae-Yul, the Queen Hwang Soo-Young, and their daughter, Crown Princess Ji-Hyun. "Look who it is!" the king boomed jovially. "It's my favorite son!" The trio bowed respectfully as the king moved towards Ha-Neul, enveloping him in a warm embrace. Ji-Hyun instinctively joined the hug, while the queen merely inclined her head in acknowledgment. Despite Jae-Yul's evident disdain for Ha-Neul, the royal family—especially the king, queen, and Ji-Hyun—showered him with affection. This favoritism was understandable, given that they had initiated the marriage proposal.
As they settled around the elegantly arranged dining table, the king cleared his throat and addressed the group, "I read the recent article," he began, his gaze shifting to Ha-Neul, who still fidgeted nervously. "It appears that Jae-Yul may have caused some distress for my son." While Jay and Eui-Jin anticipated that the king would demand an apology from Jae-Yul, they were unaware of the king's underlying strategy. "Since the world still perceives this engagement as mere spectacle, it's time to demonstrate our commitment. After two years of being engaged, I believe they are ready to proceed with the official wedding."
Instantly, Jay and Eui-Jin exchanged wide-eyed looks, fully expecting Ha-Neul to become even more anxious. Instead, they were taken aback as a sly smirk danced across Ha-Neul's lips. He lifted his wine glass and took a deliberate sip, exuding an unexpected air of confidence. "I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. He didn't direct his words to anyone in particular at first but turned his attention to the king, then shifted to Jae-Yul, holding his gaze. "I want to end our engagement."
"Contact the media," Ha-Neul declared with a sense of urgency as he strode out of the palace, Eui-Jin perched atop his back like an unwitting burden. The cool evening air was filled with tension, and Ha-Neul's determination radiated as he added, "I need to schedule an emergency press conference. The world must know that I ended my engagement with that petty prince."
As they reached the grand entrance, Ha-Neul's simmering resentment toward Jae-Yul intensified. However, he was acutely aware of the precarious situation—Jae-Yul held his title as a prince, and any expose of their tumultuous relationship would undoubtedly cast a shadow over Ha-Neul, painting him as merely a scorned lover, a so-called "pick-me."
"Hold your horses, Ha-Neul," Jay interjected firmly, catching Ha-Neul by the arm and turning him to face him directly. The earnest concern in Jay's eyes contrasted sharply with Ha-Neul's fervor. "Do you fully grasp what you're asking me to do?"
Ha-Neul's response was a vehement shake of his head, his jaw set as he replied, "I'm asking you to arrange a press conference to make it clear that I was the one who ended the engagement, not him."
Jay stared at him, incredulity flooding his expression. "You're seriously requesting to hold a press conference about dumping a prince? Does that sound sane to you? If I had known this is how you'd react, I would have reconsidered asking Eui-Jin Hyung to initiate this conversation."
His focus shifted to Eui-Jin, who stood nearby, eyes wide with disbelief, his usually composed demeanor frayed at the edges.
"This isn't what I envisioned when I said you had freedom," Eui-Jin said, his voice firm as he grasped Ha-Neul's hands, trying to instill clarity into the chaos. "You were supposed to approach this delicately. A private conversation with the king should have been your first step. You needed to tell him how Jae-Yul treated you and why you're uncomfortable in this relationship. Do you genuinely believe the king wouldn't listen to you?"
Ha-Neul felt a surge of frustration at the words coming from both of them. They had previously encouraged him to prioritize his happiness, yet now they were advising him to follow a path of restraint he hadn't anticipated. "We are not holding any press conference, and you are going to talk to the king about this," Jay asserted, his grip tightening on Ha-Neul's shoulder as he began to usher him back toward the castle.
Refusing to go quietly, Ha-Neul dug in his heels, ready to protest, but the urgency of Jay's tone silenced him. "Just shut up and follow me!" As Jay continued to lead him back, Eui-Jin fell into step behind them.
"What have you done?!" The King bellowed, his fury erupting as he hurled a crystal glass across the room. It shattered against the wall, shards glinting dangerously in the dim light as they flew perilously close to Jae-Yul's face. With every step, the King approached Jae-Yul, his imposing figure radiating authority and rage. Grabbing Jae-Yul by the collar, he twisted the fabric in a vice-like grip, his eyes ablaze with indignation. "He is more than you could ever hope to deserve in this life or the next! You will go to him and beg for his forgiveness. If by tomorrow, I do not hear that you are back together, I will kill you."
"I cannot do that," Jae-Yul replied, his voice unwavering, cutting through the tension like a blade. The King, taken aback by the defiance in his tone, demanded he repeat himself, his disbelief palpable. Yet Jae-Yul's response did not falter. "I will not do that." It was not merely the words that ignited the King's rage but the steely resolve reflected in Jae-Yul's demeanor. In a fit of fury, the King struck him hard across the face, the force of his ring slicing into Jae-Yul's skin, drawing crimson blood. The sharp pain was accompanied by a shocking jolt as the King yanked him back, glaring with barely restrained fury. "If anyone is to marry you, it will be him, nothing less. Should he ever be touched by someone else, I will ensure that you take his life—and your own. He belongs to the Royal family, and you must understand the gravity of that. If he finds himself tainted by another, he'll pay dearly for it—and so will you."
As Jay dragged Ha-Neul, storming towards the king's study, the trio crossed paths with Jae-Yul, coming back from there. Jay halted, bowing in respect alongside Eui-Jin, while Ha-Neul's gaze locked onto Jae-Yul's, his sharp eyes catching the glistening blood beneath his eye. Without hesitation, Ha-Neul reached up, gently pressing his palm against the wound, his thumb brushing away the crimson droplets. "If you don't go along with my decision, I will make sure you bear a cut like this every single day," he threatened, his voice low yet laced with an undercurrent of urgency.
Jae-Yul, undeterred, grasped Ha-Neul's hand, their fingers entwining in a fierce grip. With a desperate look in his eyes, he pressed Ha-Neul's finger deeper into the cut, flaring the pain. "I wouldn't mind if they doubled, as long as it meant you would be there with me every day." The air between them crackled with tension, a fierce duel of wills unfolding. They both understood that their survival hinged on one another, yet their freedom on letting the other go. But either could do neither. They refused to beg each other, yet their pain should bring them closer. It was obvious that they were individuals of varying natures, but they needed each other to live. It was only that they needed to come to terms with that. And soon, they would.