1
JISOO'S POV
We had one rule as idols ㅡ Your opinions never mattered.
The showcase was in two hours and I sat there quietly, watching as my stylist finished up my hair, her eyes scrunched in concentration.
There was a sudden knock on the door and my gaze slid to the manager standing there, looking between the stylist and me. "Jisoo-ya." He said it quietly. "The CEO wants a word before the show."
My heart skipped in my chest and I muttered an apology to my stylist before I dragged myself up, adjusting my collar.
What did the CEO want with me?
Regardless, I followed after him quietly, different scenarios running through my head.
The walk there felt like I was leading myself to the gallows and finally, I was ushered into the small space where no idol ever wanted to be called into.
The CEOㅡ Sungho ㅡ sat behind a table with a folder that remained closed on the mahogany desk.
"Sit down, Jisoo."
My throat suddenly felt dry as I lowered myself down. "Yes?"
He leaned forward, his gaze searching. "You know we think very highly of you." He smiled. "AURORA wouldn't be what it is without every single member contributing, yes?"
Unease prickled under my skin. I didn't like where this conversation was heading but I nodded stiffly instead. "Yes, I understand."
"Which is why this conversation is important. We need to talk about where things are heading in the K-pop industry." He folded his hands on the table. "That market is shifting. The fan demographics are changing. Merchandise numbers are down and we have to think seriously about how AURORA positions itself going into the next year."
I nodded, biting back my words. "Hm…"
"Your contract renewal comes up in twelve months." He paused, as though waiting for the words to land properly. "We want every member in the best possible position when that happens. So between now and then, we'll be reassessing the lineup based on how every member…contributes in terms of sales."
Silence. For a full second, I could only stare blankly at him.
"Ohㅡ" I finally croaked, bile rushing up my throat.
"You've been a valuable visual asset, Jisoo. That hasn't changed."
I almost laughed but tears stung at my eyes, my throat suddenly feeling as though something barbed was wrapped tight around it.
I wanted to scream. Beg. Anything. But insteadㅡ "I understand and I'll continue to do my best."
He smiled ruefully, as if I had said exactly what he needed to hear. "Good. Go enjoy the show."
My knees knocked together as I struggled to my feet, a smile plastered on my face as I had been taught to do when I was hurting. "Thank you very much."
Like I was programmed, I walked out of the office with a blank look.
He didn't say the words but it lingered in the air, choking me with the certainty.
They were going to terminate my contract after it expired.
I would…leave AURORA.
And all because I wasn't important.
******************
For the last six years, I had been a strong stickler for the rules. Don't drink. Don't leave without asking. Don't question the authority. Never talk back at fans.
But tonight? When it felt like everything had come crashing down in a second, I found myself stumbling through the doors of a quiet bar in Hongdae, my hoodie pulled tight over my head.
The rest of the team had wanted to go for dinner but I had lied about needing to go home to get some rest before rehearsals in the morning. But here I was, about to make a very bad decision.
But fuck it. A few drinks wouldn't hurt.
The bar was nearly empty, the ambience soft and serene while the air was filled with smoke and ramen.
The bartender looked up at me as I sat at the counter, leaning heavily on it. "What can I get you?"
"Whiskey. Neat."
He nodded, getting to work almost immediately. In less than two minutes, a glass was slid to me and I gulped it down without thinking, coughing as the liquid burned its way down my throat.
The second glass came without me having to ask for it. The third I ordered myself.
The man raised a brow this time. "You sure?"
I shot him a withering look. It was either this or spiralling into depression. And the latter wasn't really the best option for me now.
"Another," I grumbled.
He gave a shrug, sighing as he got to work.
I was on the fourth when I felt a presence on the stool right next to mine. Not the one beside it. The one right next to me, despite the entire counter being empty.
"Han Jisoo…"
The hair on my skin stood on end and I slowly looked up to see a face that filled me with anger more than it ever had in the last five years.
Kang Minjae. Member of NOVAㅡ Rival group to AURORAㅡ and this fool had made it his life's mission to make my life miserable.
His cap was pulled low, his brown eyes watching me intensely while his hair fell to his shoulders, framing his well-chiseled face a bit too perfectly. "You look like hell."
A scoff almost escaped me at his bluntness but I just toyed with my glass of whiskey instead, refusing to give him any attention. "Just leave."
He looked up at the bartender. "Whatever he had."
You've got to be freaking kidding me.
"Minjae. Leave."
He settled even better in the seat, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I already ordered."
"Go to another fucking bar."
For a second, his eyes widened a fraction and he threw his head back, a sharp laugh escaping him. The sound was deep and throaty, making me stare for a second before looking away with a curse. "Didn't realize you used cuss words, the little obedient idol can use cuss words…Wow."
Anger flared in my veins. "Minjaeㅡ"
My head swirled with the whiskey kicking in and I resisted the urge to fall face-first into the counter.
"Relax."
"I'm not doing this with you this night."
His brow rose. "You guys know you're gonna lose the song of the year award, you don't have to sulk about it from now on."
Years of award shows and shared stages had given us a very efficient way of irritating each other.
I wanted to shoot back at him. God, I really did. But I stumbled to my feet and almost collapsed, the world seeming to spin on its axis but Kang Minjae steadied me, a frown pulling at his lips now as he stood up.
"Woah. Careful."
His arms were firm around my waist, trying to keep me upright and I hated the way the alcohol clouded my brain, letting warmth from his touch seep into my skin. "Let go."
"You look like you're gonna pass out. I'll take you home."
My words stuck in my throat and I could only let him drag me out while I tried not to throw up.
"I can get myself home…" I whispered to no one in particular as he helped me into the back of the cab he ordered, sliding into the seat beside mine.
"Just shut up." His body felt warm against mine as he moved slightly in the backseat. "You're lucky I still want your sorry ass to not get caught by your company for now so I can see that look of defeat when I win the award. Would be a shame if you were suspended and unable to come." He sounded so cocky that I would have punched him if my limbs were obeying me.
Such a shame that I wouldn't be attending another one after this.
But the words didn't make it out.
Because all I could think about wasㅡ How did he know my address when I didn't tell him?
And then…I couldn't remember much again.
The world went blank and I passed out.