#n angst

The song Kill the Sun by Motherfolk, the chorus, right?

“Don’t hold your breath for me, I’ll be back before the morning comes. You don’t have to worry, we don’t quit until the bottle’s done. Don’t burn a light for me, I won’t leave until I’ve had enough. And if the dawn’s early, I’ll have to kill the rising sun.”

ok ok ok hear me out: N angst to this. Just- read the storyboard I have created.

Scene 1

“don’t hold your breath for me”

*N lip syncing to the words on a random bg*

”I’ll be back before the morning comes”

*N watches V and J leave the corpse spire, leaving him there alone*

Scene 2

“You don’t have to worry”

*N assuring Uzi as she freaks out over a missing arm*

“we don’t quit till the bottle’s done”

*N lipsync again, same scene with Uzi. He’s trying to be positive, telling her he won’t give up.*

Scene 3

“Don’t burn a light for me”

*N covers all his glowy parts with metal sheets so he can’t be seen*

“I won’t leave until I’ve had enough”

*N grabs his stuff and begins to leave the spire*

“And if the dawn’s early”

*N sees V and J flying back, he panics and becomes scared*

“I’ll have to kill the rising sun”

*Visualization of N stabbing the sun so V and J are out longer, therefore he doesn’t have to be with his mean teammates*

(Music intervention thingy)

“Why didn’t you sleep upstairs?” You ask, standing up to place his coffee on his desk.

 “We spent the night interrogating the playboy. What time is it?” He asks, still confused and flustered. You look at your watch.

 “07AM”

 Jinyoung sighs and let his head fall back. “That prick is useless, really.”

 “Why?”

 “He won’t say anything. Because he doesn’t seem to know, but the forensic team found something”, he says sitting up straight again and reaching for a file to hand over to you when you get it from his hand he goes for his coffee.

 Jinyoung sips on the coffee as you read the file.

 “What is this crap? Drug-induced amnesia?” You look up in disbelief at Jinyoung sipping on his hot coffee, “Is this real thing?”

 “Hmm.” Jinyoung nods, swallowing the hot coffee, “Very much. Apparently the playboy has been playing hard with his options and recently he’s been consulting a countryside traditional doctor that makes herbal tea and traditional medicine. The forensic has a sample we found in his room, they’ll send the results when it’s ready. The bastards get to sleep and still complain about it”, Jinyoung mutters the last phrase in a moody tone as he drinks more of his coffee, “Ah~ I’m hungry now”

 “That’s great. Where did we get this from?” You ask trying to read the unrecognizable words in latin or whatever puzzling language that’s written along with the ones you do understand.

 “It came from the hospital he was admitted to after the fight with Jongup”, Jinyoung sips on his coffee as he rolls his chair to sit closer to you despite the divide between the desks, “His doctor confessed. There was more than just his usual intake of his usual drugs, including one that’d be most possibly curated by only with a special twist to it.”

 You sigh tiredly, edging yourself on your seat. “This could invalidate his signed confession.”

 Jinyoung manners his head and shrugs. Then, pauses to look at you closely.

 “Lieutenant, you seem to be enjoying this~”

 “You’re seeing way too much into it, Detective Park.”

 Jinyoung hums to himself with a crooked smile and pushes himself away from your desk.

 “I wouldn’t be so happy about it, Lieutenant”, Jinyoung says, knowing your mind has already went back to the possibility of re-investigating the case, assimilating as a serial killing case, “The media is on this like vultures and… I heard the Head Prosecutor wants to wrap this up as soon as possible.”

 You throw the closed file on the table at the mention of your still father-in-law, knowing how much of a headstrong the man is. It would take more than your stubbornness to turn this around if the man has his hands on this case.

 “If you’re right, it’ll happen again and they won’t be able to blame the playboy again. If we get it before narcotics-” You cut Jinyoung, moving on your seat, feeling unsettled.

 “I wish we wouldn’t need another dead body for them to take this seriously. Whoever the killer is escalated from homeless women, to prostitutes, to random girls and people kept sweeping it all under the carpet. Now, with Kim Da Eun’s case-”, you sigh in frustration, pushing your hair back, “Do they just expect a maniac like this to just… Stop?” You chuckle bitterly to yourself, “Head Prosecutor Cha has his head up his ass that might just be true.”

 Jinyoung fails at hiding his amusement when you curse your father-in-law.

 “I’ll just- You know, pretend I didn’t hear that.” He says, tapping his ears lightly with his first and middle fingers and stops when he stands up and walks backwards from you, “I’ll go grab some breakfast for him, okay? Anything for you, Lieutenant?”

 “Egg toast, no bacon. And tomato juice”, Jinyoung nods in response.

 As he turns around to leave almost bumps into none other than your Captain, Sung Dong Il, storming into the station. Jinyoung’s unapologetic pushed away by your Captain and turns around with his eyes open wide, brows furrowed in confusion. Not only you, but everyone else in the station watches as the Captain marches in wearing the official uniform. Jinyoung glances at you, trying to figure something out, bt you seem as lost as everyone else.

 “Maskot!” You Captain’s outburst makes Wonshik shot up from his seat in alert.

 “Yes, Captain!”

 “Prepare the conference room. Be fast!”

 “Yes, sir.” Wonshik salutes and rushes to do as he’s been told.

 “Park Jinyoung!”

 Jinyoung points at himself.

 “Me?” That makes Dong Il stop throw a glare at him.

 “Who else? Get these ready for the conference,” Dongil stops and comes closer to Jinyoung, speaking more quietly. “No one can take a peek, you understand?”

 “Yes, Captain.”

 “Good.” The man nods, unbottoming his uniform suit, “You’ll be in charge to hold the conference until it’s ready to start. Don’t curse.”

 “I wouldn’t.” Dongi snorts at the detective protest before turning to you.

 “What?” You ask, annoyed before he can say anything.

 “My office. Now.”

 He storms off to his office and you follow him with your eyes, before grunting lazily to stand up.

 “What’s his problem?” You complain.

 “Ah!~ Seriously, working in this department is really stressful!” One of the detectives sitting close to you complains, “Our superiors are always having mood swings. I want to retire.”

 “At 35?” You ask the man complaining as he messes up his hair, “Are you crazy?”

“I bet my salary this is about that spidey senses our Lieutenant has.” Jaehwan’s voice is not so subtle as he speaks.

 “Hey, I can hear you, asshat!” You throw a pen in his direction without much effort.

 “Sorry, Lieutenant.” He sends you an empty apology.

 “Don’t you have a goose chase to attend to?” You mock him, recalling his current case.

 “Yea, yea… Mock me all you want, Lieutenant. But, when I drag Bang Yongguk in this station with my own hands you’ll be the one to pay for the celebratory dinner!”

 “Oh-ho~ Is that so? Really.” You hold back a chuckle, standing up and making your way to the Captain’s office, “Make sure to not bite your own tail in the process, Detective Lee.”

 You warn as he clicks his tongue, watching you push the Captain’s door open and disappears inside the office. Jaehwan looks at Jinyoung who’s staring at you through the wall-sized glass window, the blinds are pulled down, but open and the people in the office can only see partially - including Jinyoung. No one can hear anything, but Dongil’s raged expression when he looks up to you worries Jinyoung, although he knows it shouldn’t it’s something that can’t be helped.

 “There goes your promotion.” He holds back when Jaehwan startles him with his voice maliciously speaking closer than he thought the other detective is. He looks at the other and plays it out with a scoff.

 “What does that come from?” Jinyoung asks, making an effort to turn his back as the Captain drawns the blinds closed and you throw yourself on the sofa carelessly.

 “You know what,” the other says with a crooked smile, standing on the way of a very busy Wonshik and leaning an arm the younger shoulder, “the Captain retires, our Lieutenant takes his place and there you are. Perfect scenario. Am I right, maskot?”

 “Don’t be jealous. It doesn’t match your personality.” Jinyoung provokes as both man part ways, not really being in the mood to talk much more than that.

 “Is it truth?” Wonshik asks in curiosity and one of Jaehwan’s brow perks up to look at the department's youngest member.

 “What?”

 “That Detective Park will be promoted along Captain Sung retirement and the Lieutenant take over”, Wonshik asks innocently and that makes Jaehwan laughs enjoyably.

 “You really don’t know anything. Do you?”

 Jaehwan laughs, but stops as soon as he sees Wonshik’s eyes brimming with curiosity, he stops walking and grabs the younger to do the same, holding the other in place, he waits for some passerby disappear, until both of them are alone.

“Listen here,” he starts, “Since you’ve been here for a while you gotta make up your mind to whom you want to be loyal to,” Jaehwan explains, “Most people stick to the partnership. So, I’m gonna tell you this… Park Jinyoung isn’t eligible to take any major role, he’ll never move a step from where he is right now. Like our Captain, his name is tainted.”

 ***

 “Close the fucking door!” The Captain as soon as you step one foot into the office. His anger vividly expressed, “I should’ve been against the Commander as soon as he pulled you in this case of all people. I could’ve pulled you out as soon as I saw things going smoothly. I’m no good for this job anymore, because of you, you know? All because of you!” Dongil let out his rent standing behind his desk while you stared at him with your puzzled expression.

 “I have- absolutely no idea what-” You try saying with a shrug and your hands shoved inside the front pockets of your pants.

 “Sure you don’t.”

 Dongil interrupts and takes large, angry steps to the wall-sized window, reaching to close the blinds. He saw Jinyoung with his eyes fixated on you. Your Captain never said and would never say anything regarding this. Not one bit, but it never meant that he was oblivious. His eyes travels back to you when the blinds are tightly closed, he found you sitting on your typical spot in his office, looking comfortable as you are, at home as you feel.

 “Then, what?” You ask, out of patience.

 Dongil should know being angry wouldn’t have any effect on, you’re never scared of anything. Never was. This got you here, but could ruin you as well. He would be damned if this wasn’t, at least, one of the reasons why your marriage is - in his opinion - so regrettably over. The old man pleaded to heaven it would work while knowing all the reasons it wouldn’t, you and Cha Hakyeon… Anyone could see the end, but you’re always defiant and Hakyeon found his change to rebel in you, for a good reason. At first Dongil thought it was just a rich guys rebeling to his rich, powerful parents, but Hakyeon loves you, he saw enough to know.

 “I don’t know if I should congratulate you or have you take a few days off duty. You need to sort out your life now, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

 Dongil sees your eyes darkening, your rather carefree manner vanishing as you hear his words.

 “I told you before-,” he starts again, sitting apart from you, grunting as he settles his old bones on the comfortable armchair, “You can’t solve every case trusting your guts, but this time… This time I’ll bet everything I have in your spidey senses, Y/n”, he says fondly.

 “What are you talking about”

 “The playboy’s confession doesn’t add up to his toxicology test. He’ll only be arrested for drug use and smuggling,” he explains, “The only lead we’ve got is with your theory and you better be right. You’ll hold the presentation. The Commander will be here at the afternoon?”

 “Sure”, you sort, self-assertive.

 “The Commander isn’t happy and he’s coming down to announce the outcome to the media, we’ll also be starting a new investigative team. I’m putting you in charge, so make sure you have the people you trust around you because the man is sending one of his lap dogs to spy on everything”

 “Who?”

 “I don’t know yet, but- It’s clear they don’t like you. Don’t disappointment me.” 

 “I won’t.”

 He sighs. And there’s a pause when all the tension kind of dissipates and you can tell the old man is just tired of it all.

 “Y/n, I want you to listen carefully now, okay?” You nod yet again and he it’s not the kind of response Dongil wants. “I won’t speak as your captain now, but as an old friend,” he makes another pause, leaning forward, looking in your eyes, “I’m not saying this because of me or you promotion or anything,” he starts, “But, particularly, I think it’s quite odd the Head Prosecutor Cha let go of this so easily knwoing you would be the only to lead the serial murder case-”

 “Now, I’m the one asking you to trust me, sunbae.” You speak up, looking directly in his eyes, “I know what I have to do.” Dongil sighs and hangs his head low.

 “All right. Just- be careful.”

 ***

 It doesn’t matter how confident you look, you’re skin twitches when you think about it. Taking this case means a lot more than it did before, losing it means losing everything. Beads of sweat form on the line of your hair, the room is suddenly too confining and overall hot.

 ‘Minjoo. I’m sorry’ - you think to yourself, but you can’t find it in yourself to feel regret or pained about it. You know what you have to do and you won’t step back. You blindly get to your desk and start to gather the folders, everything you need to make the presentation for the Commander and his lap dog when they’re here. Well, the other team members will be there too. You’ll need help from someone from Narcotics, maybe Taecyeon, an old friend, come over to lend a pair hands to the team.

 Jinyoung, Jaehwan, Taecyeon, the maskot, Detective Jung, Doctor Lee from forensic and his assistant… Those were the first names in your list. Who else? People you trust. You paused and looked around the troubled station now that something big was about to happen everyone was in an uproar.

 “Jinyoung!” You call as soon as he walks in and he makes his way to you immediately, “That breakfast- How about now?”

 You start walking away and Jinyoung leaves his current task at his desk before yanking his jacket out of his chair in quick, swift motions to follow you, without so much as a second thought.

Part 3

It was the blaring sound of your phone ringing that woke you. A specific tone only saved to Minhee and Woon’s work phones. 

“Mmph,” You weren’t awake enough to form coherent words. Your vision came in a thin bleary line as you struggled to hold your eyes open. 

“I know, you hate it when we wake you. But there’s been a problem,” Woon’s voice was course, as if he’d been shouting. 

Another moan was your response. Your mind worked slowly to comprehend, rather fathom, the fact that you were even awake at that moment. 

Time.

What time is it.

Someone better be dead.

It better be Hakyeon.

That asshole.

That asshole with his stupid good looks.

And lovely voice.

And perfect flirty attitude.

“Wonshik is being accused of assaulting the fan that is alleging him to be the father of her unborn child.” Minhee’s voice was now screeching in your ear. 

“Guys, one person talking on a phone. You can’t go back in forth. Brain don’t work like that.” Your words were slurred, comprehension slowly coming to you.

“Wake up and listen to us!! There has been a major scandal break on Instagram as well as it taking over fancafes. Wonshik has been accused of assault,” Woon continued the conversation again, forcing you to work harder to catch up with the dialogue.

“What did I just say,” you whined, tears pricking at your eyes. 

Childlike was the only way to describe yourself after waking without enough sleep. The frustration of being newly awake combined with two people yelling at you about something you could barely understand made you wish for the release of breaking into tears. Silly, and a ridiculous reaction, but the boys had been overworking you to a point that you were sorely needing an early nights rest. And from what you clock was showing, you’d only been asleep 2 hours.  

Each boy had taken it upon himself to call you every night with ridiculous requests.

***

"Can I order a lobster on amazon and introduce it to the fans as my love child with a crab?" Hongbin had asked at 5 in the morning on Monday.

"You can eat a lobster for lunch." That response hadn't appeased him. 

"I'm thinking about tattooing my entire leg in one go. I also want to get one of those sexy medallion tattoos that girls get under their ya know, womanly assets." Ken had asked at 2 am on Tuesday.

"If you can't say the words for it you can't have the tattoo." Had been your only reply before hanging up. 

"What do you think of me and Taekwoon buying out an animal shelter and just freaking filling it with doves that we train to attack animal abusers." Hyuk had asked, glee filling his voice at 7 in the morning on Wednesday. 

"I love it. But it's not practical. Would look horrible in the news. Find another way to help animals." Your response had fueled the fire for the rest of them to repeatedly ask you about new and ridiculous ways to get media attention. All asked at times you should be sleeping. All phone calls lasting over an hour. 

****

Another whine left your throat as your doorbell rang. “I don’t want to deal with this right now. I want to sleep. Why are you so mean to me.

“Was that her doorbell?” Woon asked to Minhee over the phone.

“Hakyeon must have finally got there.” Your eyes began to shut again as the two talked between themselves. 

“He better wake her ass up. I hate dealing with her when she’s sleep deprived.” 

Woon can be so mean.

If he'd just let me sleep he wouldn't have to deal with me.

“Can hear you," you groaned into the phone, wanting them to be aware that you were displeased with the direction of the conversation. 

Minhee's voice took on a soft approach, “Shh, you’ll make her cry. You know she cries when she hasn’t had enough sleep. They've disturbed her sleep every night this week. She's running on only a few hours.”

The doorbell rang again. Incessantly this time. As if someone was repeatedly attacking it with their finger for the pure delight of annoying whoever was within the home. 

Minhee sighed, “Sweetie let Hakyeon in. He’s going to bring you over to us.” 

If your eyes had been opened they'd have rolled. In no way, were you going anywhere. Tomorrow was your day off, and you were determined to sleep through it. “In pajamas. Not going anywhere.” 

Woon's tone continued to show his annoyance. “Oh no...she’s getting grumpy. I hate dealing her when she's like this. Do we really need her?” 

Yeah, do you really need me?

“Should I send one of the PA’s for coffee?” Minhee directed at Woon, holding the conversation just between the two of them again. 

You heard shuffling over the line, as if Woon was going through his pockets. “That’s probably a good idea. You can give them my card. Just make sure that they get it here before Hakyeon gets her here.” 

The sound of your bedroom door opening had you easing your head out from under your covers. "Noooo...not you. Go away. I'm sleeping." You hissed at a blurry Hakyeon. 

“Your back door was unlocked. Do you not realize how unsafe that is sweetheart? Anyone could have gotten in." His tone was disapproving but the half smile on his face softened it well enough not to piss you off. 

A hand went up to rub at your eyes while the other continued to hold the phone to your ear. "Gate. Gated house. How did you get past my gate?"

He shrugged and leaned back against the door frame. "Minhee gave me the code. It's Wook. 9665. Why is it that?"

"My favorite person to work with. He's a good boy." A small smile found its way to your lips. Ji Chang Wook would always be your favorite to work with. You were counting down the days until his enlistment was up. You'd even readied a calendar.

Woon's tone took on a sickeningly sarcastic intonation. "God, I wish I was recording this. You sound like such a kid. Ahh, it's so cute. You know I love you right? I love you so much. So cute. So precious. Give Hakyeon the phone."

You wiggled back onto your side, allowing the covers to encompass you again as you flung your hand out into the air with the phone held in it. You shook it a little, a silent signal for Hakyeon to take it. Which, he thankfully understood. 

He moved to sit on the edge of your bed, phone held to his ear as his rested on what he assumed was your calf. 

"She's not getting out of bed....Well what am I supposed to do?....Are you giving me permission to just yank her out of bed?....I get it she's tired....This isn't my fault that she's tired....How much sleep has she gotten?....Are you serious?....." His attention turned to you. "(Y/N) have you really only slept 3 hours every night for the last month?" 

Your eyes rolled and you pulled the covers up to warm you more. "Not going anywhere. You deal with it. Since you think you don't need me ever. Too good for you assholes anyway."

His gripped on your calf tightened, his appearance taking on something a little darker. Without a word he stood up, taking the comforter with him. 

You whined, trying to take it back but he walked over to your closet with it in his arms. 

"You charge so much money for your work, how the hell don't you have a robe?" His words were muttered as he shuffled through the closet. 

"I pay my people really really well." Your perfect business behavior had fled you.

The sleep deprivation had released you from all knowledge of appropriate and professional behavior. "It's hanging in the bathroom. Why do you want my robe? Wanna buy one for yourself?" You snickered at the thought of Hakyeon wearing a short silky baby blue robe. 

He didn't reply as he grabbed the robe and tossed it at you. before walking over and beginning to lift you from the bed. 

"Nooooo," you mewled, pushing against him with your hands. "Please, Hakyeon. Don't make me go. Let's just sleep. Don't you like sleep? We can both sleep right now. My bed is so big. We'd be so comfy....Oh my god you’re so warm." With this realization your arms found their way around his midriff, pulling yourself into his warmth. "So warm. I might love you," You sighed, eyes closing as you cuddled your face into him. "See, so nice. Let's sleep." 

"Woon. She's got like tentacles for arms." He hissed into the phone. "I don't know what to do. She's latched on to me and I think she fell back asleep....Won't she scream if I do that?...I have your permission huh?...Alright. I'm doing it. We'll see you in a bit." He turned his attention to you, allowing himself to lay down next to you, you cuddling into him more closely.

"See...so nice." You voice was growing softer, as sleep took you more. 

Your stomach jumped uncomfortably as Hakyeon rolled the two of you together on to the floor. "Okay! You're out of bed! We can go now!" He pressed a kiss to your temple before pulling himself to a standing position, grabbed your robe and tossed it at you. "Let's get out of here sweetheart! Put it on!" 

You looked up at him, lip jutted out, quivering the slightest bit. 

"No, you can't pull that look on me. Woon warned me that you get like this. And Just so you know, it was not what I expected from my icy publicist." He knelt before you and began wrapping the robe around you. "Lets go. The sooner we deal with this the sooner I'll take you back to bed." 

Your eyes half lidded themselves in a glare. "You better. Or I'm going to quit." 

*** 

You slept the entire trip from your home back to the Jellyfish Entertainment building. Perfectly cocooned in a blanket that you'd fought Hakyeon tooth and nail to bring. 

"I need it." 

"It's cold."

"You didn't let me put on real clothes."

Of course I'm not letting her put on real clothes.

She looks adorable in those pj's.

He'd expected you to wear only silk or satin, something expensive and ridiculous. But instead you wore what must have been an old t-shirt and pajama shorts that couldn't have cost more than a few dollars. The only expensive thing on you was the robe, and that looked as if it was hardly worn.

Hakyeon guided the car into a spot on the side of the street in front of the building. Woon practically ran from in side the lobby to the car, opening the door and pulling you out into his arms. 

Something about it ticked at Hakyeon's protective instincts. Maybe it was the way you easily went into his arms or the slight blush that was in your cheeks. 

Stop.

Don't make it weird.

You have a job.

Make her love you.

Ditch her.

And hope she quits.

Catching feelings isn't part of the plan.

"What do you want us to do?" Woon asked carrying you into the building while Hakyeon trailed behind. 

"I don't freaking know. What would I normally ask you to do?" You grumbled, finally coherent enough to be displeased with the current situation. In most cases this was not something that had to be fixed in the middle of the night. Nothing could be done until morning. Why you were woken and brought in was completely opaque to you.   

"Stay silent on media and ask the girl to come in for a meeting." Hakyeon answered for Woon, winning him a smile that warmed his chest. 

"See, he knows what to do." You crowed. "Now," Your attention turned back to Woon as he stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for VIXX's floor. "Why aren't we doing that?"

Woon's gaze landed with a glare on Hakyeon. "Because the leader thought it was a big enough issue that it needed to be solved now.

The fire in your stair frightened Hakyeon into stepping away. You kicked your legs slightly, a signal for Woon to let you down. "While I love being carried like the princess that I am. I really need to not present myself as a baby in front of the other members." 

Woon slowly let you down, Hakyeon’s gaze straying to your bare legs. 

Do not catch feelings. 

Do not catch feelings.

Do not catch feelings.

She's a dick.

You wrapped the robe tighter around you. Hoping in some way the tiny bit of material would keep you warm. "You're supposed to be my good one." You cursed with an accusatory finger pointing into his chest.

Hakyeon's body deflated just a bit. With Woon's overly large form standing behind you, you seemed far more intimidating than you actually were. 

"I am your good one. But, Wonshik is really upset," He grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry you're not sleeping well, but I'd hoped you could help him. I was hoping you'd maybe have something encouraging to say to ease his mind." 

Your back straightened. Every bit of tiredness finally gone from your gaze. Despite the pajamas your expression once again gave yourself off to be VIXX"s very capable publicist. "Upset? Upset in what way." 

The elevator doors opened to reveal a distressed looking Wonshik with Minhee patting his arm in a comforting manner.

You stepped out and took the coffee from her outstretched hand before bringing your other arm around his waist and leading him over to a couch. 

Hakyeon was left stunned at how quickly you went into your professional persona. Not a question was asked why he was waiting at the elevator door. Not a word of anger was said. You simply got to work. 

"Everyone, out." You snapped glaring at the other boys as well as your small night team. 

Woon set to work ushuring everyone out of the room. 

You settled down on the couch next to Wonshik once the room was empty. "I know you're trying to keep your privacy by not telling anyone who this girl is, or why she's doing this. But I need you to be completely honest with me. It will stay between us. The media won't know. The chairman won't know. Only you and I. I just need to know so I know how best to protect you. Do you understand?" Your tone was soft, nonjudgmental. The professionalism loosening to create a more maternal atmosphere. 

His eyes were red rimmed, either from exhaustion, or tears. He slightly shivered and you noticed that Woon had tossed your travel blanket onto the couch. You pulled it across the both of your laps,your eyes widening slightly when he leaned closer into you.

He tried to shrug your concerns off. "She's just a friend from school."

You took his hand in your own, rubbing some warmth back into his chilled digits. You didn't call him a liar, you simply waited for him to talk. 

His head fell forward and he sighed. "She's...my best friend from school. And she is pregnant. But it's not mine! She asked for help and I offered to give her money. I offered to talk to the dad. But he's not interested."

"Why is she saying it's you?" 

"Because her parents want to know who the dad is. And it was easy to say my name. She asked me to marry her. So her parents won't disown her. I told her I couldn't. That it was crazy. She says she's in too deep and she has no choice. She told her parents that I'm the father and they encouraged her to sell the story. That it would shame me into doing the right thing. But I'm not the father." You nodded, ignoring the tears that sprung to his eyes, not wanting to embarrass him. “I went to see her tonight and we got into a fight. Her mother started screaming at me and my friend was holding me back. And then her dad just swung and I tried to block it and I hit hurt. I never would have intentionally hurt her. Ever.”

You took a breath, "This is a complicated situation. Normally I would suggest either paying her off, or allowing my team to research the truth and give that to the media. But you say she's your friend," He nodded, "So we're not going to do that. My suggestion is we find the dad. That and getting a paternity test as soon as we can. We don’t need to shame her in the media back but  we do need to show the parents that you’re not responsible. As for the father, we get him to step up, and we keep all of this between us and her parents. The media doesn't need to know anything. The story will die down on it's own. As long as she doesn't continue to fuel the fire. In the meantime, you're going to have to work hard. I'm thinking maybe a few public appearances on on some variety shows. Anything to get the attention off of this. I'll have my team work on finding the dad and make this right. You shouldn't be shamed into taking responsibility for something you're no responsible for." 

He bit his lip slightly, seemingly more relaxed. "This has been hard, hasn't it?" He nodded again. "I'm sorry that this happened. I'm sorry you've had to bear this alone. It's not fair. You haven't done anything wrong. You know that right?" And again, another nod. You blew out a breath of frustration and hugged him to you. "I'm sorry." His shoulders shook, allowing you to assume that he was crying and trying to hide it. "You must be so stressed." 

Your hands rubbed across his back, soothing him. A hum vibrated in your throat, a soft tune that your mother sang when you were a child.

***

The next morning Hakyeon sat around his breakfast table with the other members. "So she's just going to fix it?"

"That's what she said." Wonshik answered. "She wasn't mad. And she just apologized and said I was working hard and that she was proud of me."

"You must have misheard her." Hyuk complained. "She's chaotic." 

Taekwoon ran a hand over his eyes. Tired of the constant complaints. "Oh my god...guys...she's a normal freaking person."

"She's incredible. Did you see her in her jammies bossing everyone around." Hongbin gushed.  

“Hakyeon, what do you think of this one?”

A soft pink sundress was held up. You placed it in front your body as you looked at the mirror. Too pretty. Hakyeon thought as he gave you a smile.

“It’s not bad.”

You groaned dramatically, rolled your eyes as you put the dress back in its place. Picking another one, blueberry sundress with a soft pattern on it. “I think this one is better.”

Too pretty.

Hakyeon pressed his lips together and before he could say anything, you shook your head returning the dress again. This was going to take long. Hakyeon didn’t really mind. But it bothered him. He knew exactly why she asked him out today. Why she kept looking for dresses even though she wouldn’t buy any.

It was just an excuse so she could say goodbye before leaving.

“You can stop now, Y/N.” Hakyeon said eyes fixed on you, but you wouldn’t look at him. You pretended you were looking for another dress.

“What do you mean? I really need a new dress.”

“You can buy it from Paris,” Hakyeon said, and Y/N froze.

He knew….

“I really need a dress.”

“Still, you can make a better one that suited you. Right. That’s the only way I can let you go.”

She held into a dress tightly before letting go. Spinning around, she grinned at Hakyeon. Her friend who always was by her side. The friend who supported her. The one who loved her the most. “You knew. Taekwoon told you, didn’t he?”

Hakyeon nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. “Let’s go.” Without a warning, Hakyeon grabbed your hand and dragged you with him out of the store. People surrounded them everywhere. This place was a busy one. He wished they went to a quieter area, he wanted to tell you a lot of things.

Somehow, it made him angry that you asked him out only to say goodbye.

When Hakyeon suddenly stopped, his hands still holding yours tightly, you stepped forward to his side. “I wanted to tell you, myself.”

You touched his arm, but Hakyeon shrugged it away. You would lie if you said you were surprised.

“Leave.” Your eyes widened when Hakyeon let go of your hand suddenly. “I don’t want to say goodbye to you. So, go.”

“Hakyeon, I….”

“You only care about Taekwoon.” He turned to face you. You bet your lips when you saw the pain flashing in his eyes.

You were aware of Hakyeon’s feelings towards you, but you always ignored them. It was true that you liked Taekwoon, but Hakyeon… He…. He made you fall in love with him without noticing. It wasn’t easy to tell him that you were leaving, like how you told Taekwoon.

You feared to leave.

“I didn’t know how to tell you.” You looked at him with pleading eyes. You didn’t want to see that expression on his face, it pained you.

“Leave if you want,” Hakyeon said firmly. “God, just leave. You are leaving anyway, so why bother to tell me?”

“Because I LIKE YOU!!” You said, tears now filling your eyes. If he was going to let go of you, he didn’t have to be so mean.

You had thought about it all along. You didn’t know how to tell him and had been thinking about it all the day. It was hard to leave, but it was an opportunity you never dream of.

Hakyeon scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You like me? That’s funny.”

“What?” You said, shocked. You didn’t expect that response from him.

“Should I believe that? You like me, so you are telling me that you are leaving me? That’s funny.”

“Fine, you jerk.” Tears fell down your eyes like rain. “I should have just left without telling you.” You turned to leave, but a hand grabbed you, pulling you backward. You felt arms wrapping around you as you hit something hard. Hakyeon buried his face in your neck. You felt his breath on your neck, thick and heavy as if it was difficult for him to breathe.

“Don’t go, Y/N.” Hakyeon said, tightening his arms around you.

“It’s just for two years.” You said, your breath heavy as well. It was hard to say goodbye after all. “Can you wait for me?”

“I have been waiting for you for 6 years now.” He unwrapped his arms, as he turned you around to face him. “Two years… Those are just numbers.”

Despite the tears that didn’t want to stop and the sob the skipped your throat, you tiptoed and pressed your lips on Hakyeon’s. Why didn’t you discover how you felt about him sooner? It would have given you more time to him.

Pulling you closer to him, Hakyeon kissed you back. It would be hard to wait again and again, but he was willing to do so.

Waiting was nothing for him.  

It seemed ridiculous to sit at a table that sat 30 people but currently only had 3 surrounding it. It seemed that its current use was to flaught status. Rather than use a smaller meeting room, this large one had been chosen to impress, and yet, you only found it odd.

What’s the point of using such a large table if it’s not even a quarter full?

It’s silly, that’s what it is.

Is it supposed to be an intimidation tactic?

Oh look at us we’re so important that we have a big table for big meetings.

Does it make you feel tiny?

No, it doesn’t.

It’s stupid and I hate it.

Turning your gaze to the two men opposite you, a smirk easily played across Hwang Se Jun’s, Ceo of Jellyfish Entertainment, older face. An opposing grimace hardened the face of the current manager for VIXX. It seemed one thought he’d caught you while the other was assuming the worst.

One was correct to look as he had. The other was a fool in your eyes. One who thought he was in charge of the situation and one who knew the score.

Leaning forward you rested your arms on the aforementioned stupidly large table and asked, “So tell me, if I leave my current position as Ji Chang Wook’s publicist, you’ll match the pay at what increase?”

“I’ll double it,” Hwang Se Jun responded, still looking lazily satisfied with himself. 

Your jaw nearly dropped. “You’ll double it? That can’t ever mean anything good. How terrible are these boys? How much work and exhaustion is this going to cost me?”

Veins stood out against the managers neck. He looked as if he was going to pass out from keeping silent.

I wonder how much trouble he’ll get into for speaking his mind to me.

He seems like he has so much to say.

Or maybe he doesn’t like me.

What was his name again?

He’s lasted this long with VIXX, he must be a decent manager.

Maybe I could hire him out from Jellyfish Entertainment.

“They’re not terrible boys. Their hardworking and passionate. They just happen to be a bit of trouble makers,” Hwang Se Jun stated calmly. “They’ve gotten into a bit of trouble lately due to some...behavior. They just need a little pick me up.”

You sighed, knowing the full truth wasn’t being told. “A little pick me up? If you want a little pick me up, hire someone else. I reverse images quickly and efficiently. If you want someone who will make the boys look good for 5 minutes, I’m not who you want to hire. I solve scandals. I don’t do pick me ups.”  

“Rumors are going around that Leo attacked someone and that Ravi has a pregnant girlfriend,” the manager squeaked out. Hwang Se Jun’s glare landed on him, causing the man to shrink in his seat.

Hwang Se Jun let out a nervous chuckle for the first time not looking fully full of himself. “That makes it seems so bad. I promise it’s not.”

Your eyebrow went up slightly. “And what’s the truth?” “Despite Ravi’s image, he’s terrified of women. He states that she is a girl he went to school with and that they are only untrue allegations,” he stated slowly, as if exhausted from explaining the same thing over again to another interested party.

That doesn’t make sense.

Those kinds of rumors aren’t usually started unless something instigated it.

Whether it’s true or not, it has to be prompted by something.

“And you believe this?” Your question was directed at the CEO, but your sight strayed to the manager.

“I don’t distrust my artists.” His words were steady and, the heavy cadence alluding to his confidence in his artists. But the way the manager’s gaze flitted to the ground, told you that the CEO should have had reason to worry.

You nodded, accepting his statement. “And the other one? The charges of violence?”

“Those...are slightly true. Leo has a very soft heart when it comes to animals and doesn’t shy away from defending them. He witnessed some abuse and may have lost his temper.” His fingers ticked against the table. An odd habit for one seemingly as controlled as he was portraying himself to be within the conversation.

Your heart did a little flip and you repressed an aww.

I this is not the time to sigh and flutter at the behaviors of others.

You gotta stay profesional.

Pro. Fes. Ion. Al.

Profesional.

Get it.

Live it.

No getting sweetsie for a boy with a soft heart.

While you were interested in the position, you weren’t quick to jump on it. Your features were schooled so as not to reveal anything to either men. “I enjoy working for Mr. Ji. Your offer isn’t really tempting enough to leave that position.”

Sweeten the pot and I’ll take the job.

I’m not working with 6 rambunctious boys unless you really make it worth my time.

“He’s currently serving his military enlistment, how much work are you actually doing right now for him?”

Almost none actually.

Ji Chang Wook has always been a good boy but that doesn’t mean I’ll willing give him up.

Sweeten the pot Mr. Ceo.

We both know I’m worth it.

“I work closely with my own team. If I were to work with you...you’d be required to purge everyone currently with VIXX. Would you be okay with that?” And that was your trump card. That card that would show you whether they were serious about wanting you or not.

The managers face flushed, looking frightened at the prospect of losing his job to the person he was currently interviewing.

“I have my own manager, stylists, coordinators. My people will handle everything that involves their image. You will still have freedom to employ whoever you wish when it comes down to the creative process. But every single event or promotion, will be handled by my people.”

“That’s fine,” He then turned to the manager, “You still have a job, but for the time being I think it best if we moved you to another group.”

“Sir!”

Hook, line, sinker.

This will be my biggest pay out.

You leaned back into your seat, relaxed and at ease. “Triple my current pay. And I’ll be more than happy to have my team work with you. I normally only work with 1 idol, as such I expect to be compensated if I am to care for the image of 6 people. I’ll need to add a few people to my team so as to handle the added number of artists.”

Hwang Se Jun stood and offered his hand. “I believe we have a deal.”

***

A new team?

Why the hell did they need a new team?

Hakyeon’s face flushed with heat, from anger, exasperation, or both. He wasn’t sure.

“What’s wrong with the people we have now?” Hyuk asked hotly, glaring at the publicist being introduced to them.

He hated her. They all seemed to hate her. With her stupid friendly smile and stiff back. He could see that deep down, she was going to be ice.

Who is she, to step into our world, and demand that we follow her rules?

She doesn’t understand anything.

And she wants to pretend she does?

We’re fine.

We don’t need her.  

Hwang Se Jun sighed, as if exhausted by the long discussion he’d been forced into. “She comes with her own team.”

“We don’t want to work with her team.” Jaehwan nearly growled arms folded across his chest and angry expression stapled to his face.

The tick above Hwang Se Jun’s temple seemed to be getting worse, obviously growing annoyed. “You should have considered that before you ruined your image.”

Wonshik shoved himself from his spot on the couch, strong form standing tall and demandingly. The bitch took a step back looking uncomfortable with Wonshiks aggression.  “We didn’t ruin our image. Things happened. So why should our people be punished for it?”

“Your people aren’t being punished. They still work for the label. They are still getting paid the same paycheck. They just aren’t babying you anymore.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Miss (Y/L/N) is an amazing publicist. She can turn any image around. Allow her to do her job.”

“We don’t have an image problem,” Wonshik continued to argue.

Hakyeon reached toward the younger man, guiding him back into his seat.

She, the demon, finally stepped forward and began with, “I’m excited about this partnership. I assure you that my team is very competent and works very hard to accomplish our goals. Please allow them to take care of you.”

With a final fake smile and a half bow, she turned and exited the room with Hwang Se Jun. Leaving Hakyeon and his members behind.

Hongbin’s gaze shot towards him. “Why didn’t you say anything,” He hissed.

He leaned back in his seat, head tilted back and hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose, hoping it would relieve some tension. “I don’t know what I‘m supposed to say. He’s already made his decision.”

“You’re supposed to get rid of her.” Taekwoon interjected quietly from his corner.

He pointed an accusatory finger towards him. “This is partly your fault. If you had kept your hands to yourself.”

Taekwoon’s face turned red, a color that often frequented his shy features. “And would you have done any differently?”

No. None of us would have done any differently.

“Who is she to think she can boss us around,” Wonshik standing up and beginning to pace the room.

“She’s no one,” he answered.