EPISODE 38: A New Kind of Fight
**SCENE START]
INT. HYUN-WOO'S GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The room is dark, lit only by the faint glow of Hyun-woo's phone. He's lying in bed, trying to calm his racing mind after the stressful day. He's relieved that Director Lee has been arrested, but a cold unease still lingers.
Suddenly, a notification pops up on his screen. It's an anonymous text message.
THE MESSAGE: Old secrets hurt. Your father's company has a past. A very dirty one. Don't think we won't tell the world what Lee Min-ho did.
Hyun-woo's blood runs cold. He sits up, his breath catching in his throat. This isn't just a threat to his career. This is about his family. The scandal he knew about from his past life, the one that almost ruined his father and his new family. Director Lee may be in jail, but his allies are still out there.
He knows the exact details of the cover-up. The shady deals, the bribery, the hidden documents. This is a battle he can't win on stage.
He pulls his knees to his chest, the reality of the situation crashing down on him. This time, the fight is real.
[SCENE END]
INT. STARLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT - DANCE PRACTICE ROOM - LATE NIGHT
The room is empty and quiet. Hyun-woo is waiting. One by one, the other four members of ECHO sneak in, their faces tired but concerned.
MIN-SU (Whispering) What's going on, Hyun-woo? Is everything okay?
Hyun-woo takes a deep breath. He knows he has to tell them. He looks at them, his chosen family.
HYUN-WOO (His voice is low and strained) It's not over. The man who was arrested... he wasn't working alone. His people are still out there, and they've found something to use against me. Something personal.
JAEHYUN (Confused) What do you mean, personal?
HYUN-WOO My father... he's a successful architect. But his company has a secret. An old scandal. And they're going to use it to get to me. To threaten me into giving up.
The other boys exchange worried glances. This is a world away from their usual worries about choreography and lyrics.
SEUNG-HO (His voice is quiet but firm) We're here for you. We'll do whatever we can.
Hyun-woo looks at them, a small, sad smile on his face.
HYUN-WOO There's nothing you can do. This isn't a song. It's a legal battle. It's too dangerous. I have to handle this on my own.
TAEYANG (He shakes his head) No. You said it yourself. We're a family. You don't have to carry this alone.
Hyun-woo feels his resolve strengthening. He won't let them get hurt. But he also won't give in. He has to take control.
[SCENE END]
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Hyun-woo stands outside a sleek, glass-walled office building in the heart of Seoul. He is dressed in an expensive suit, a stark contrast to his usual casual clothes. He looks confident, but his hands are trembling slightly.
He walks into the lobby and speaks to the receptionist.
HYUN-WOO I have an appointment with Ms. Lee.
He is led into a conference room. A sharp, well-dressed lawyer, MS. LEE (30s), is waiting for him. She looks at him, a quizzical expression on her face.
MS. LEE Hyun-woo? The idol? My clients are usually… a bit older.
Hyun-woo takes a deep breath. He knows this is a gamble, but it's one he has to take.
HYUN-WOO I'm here to hire you. I need you to handle a legal matter for my father's business. I have all the details. I know the legal weaknesses, the key players, and the exact documents that were covered up. I want you to go to the company, armed with this information, and force them to come clean. I'll pay you whatever it takes.
Ms. Lee's eyes widen. She has never seen a client like this. He's a kid, but he's speaking with the authority and knowledge of a CEO.
MS. LEE And how do you know all of this?
Hyun-woo looks her in the eye, a cold, determined glint in his gaze.
HYUN-WOO Let's just say… I'm very good at research.
He looks at a folder full of documents he's printed out. The truth of the matter is he has an entire bank of digital information from his past life. Ms. Lee looks from the confident young man in front of her to the pile of documents. She sees the opportunity.
MS. LEE (A slow, professional smile spreading across her face) All right. You've got yourself a deal.
Hyun-woo shakes her hand, a flicker of satisfaction on his face. He's not just a victim of a scandal anymore. He's a player in the game, and he's using the past to win the future.
FADE OUT.
[SCENE END]