Episode 15: The Leaks and the Light
The aftermath of the fan meeting was unlike anything AX1 had expected.
Their rooftop song had gone viral, turning pain into poetry. Clips of Jaewon and Seon singing together, voices trembling but firm, were reposted with hashtags like #LetThemSing and #AX1Truth.
But underneath the viral praise ran another current — doubt, anger, retaliation.
The agency held crisis meetings nonstop. Fans debated. News outlets remained torn.
And AX1? They held their breath.
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At the Dorm
The group sat together in the living room, for once not rehearsing or strategizing — just being.
"I can't tell if we're healing or breaking," Jun muttered, flipping through the hateful DMs on his phone.
Minho tossed a cushion at him. "Neither. We're molting."
Jaewon gave Seon a look. "You good?"
Seon hesitated. "I don't know how to be okay anymore. But I know I want to be."
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Later that week
Director Yoo struck again.
A gossip channel posted a new "leak" — blurry photos allegedly showing Seon drinking underage during his trainee years. The comments were vicious. Some sponsors began backing out.
The agency released a cold, calculated statement:
> "We are investigating the validity of these images. Until then, Seon will be placed under temporary suspension from promotions."
Just like that, he was benched.
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That Night
Seon sat alone on the dorm rooftop, hoodie drawn tight, phone buzzing with pity texts from people who never stood by him before.
Jaewon joined him quietly.
"They're afraid of what you represent," Jaewon said. "Not because you're weak. But because you're finally free."
Seon looked at him. "And what do I represent to you?"
"You?" Jaewon leaned in, voice low. "You're the truth I left behind."
Seon's breath hitched.
Before he could reply, Jaewon kissed him — soft and real. No fans. No cameras. Just them.
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The Next Morning
AX1's group chat lit up.
Seo-jin: "Turn on Channel 9. Now."
On TV: a breaking report.
> "Orion Entertainment accused of tampering with industry data and using AI-generated material in defamation schemes. Sources suggest former trainees from multiple companies are stepping forward."
Jun whooped. "YES! It's crumbling."
Minho checked his phone. "There's an anonymous whistleblower… wait—"
He froze.
"Ha-joon just posted. A full confession."
They opened his account.
> "I lied. I sabotaged Seon. I was scared. Of his talent, his heart, and the way he didn't break even when I did. I'm sorry. To AX1. To Jaewon. To fans. To myself."
Seon stared at the screen.
It didn't feel like peace. But it felt like possibility.
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And far away, in a cold boardroom, Director Yoo received a text:
> "Phase
Two has failed. Prepare for collapse."
She crushed the phone in her fist.
---
To be continued…