Jihoon's pov:
"How many times do we have to tell you this Jihoon, it's okay to have your own plans but if we tell you to free up your schedule you do as your told." Dad said. "Do you know how many people asked about why you weren't at the party last night?"
"Like I said before I don't care about what this people have to say about me, it's my life and I can live it the way I want it." I told him.
"But we care Jihoon, don't you think we care about your reputation?" Mom added. "Yeah, yeah. If I ruin my image in ruining your image, but we all know that you both don't like those people as much as I do." I replied.
"It's like everyday you get more hard headed." Dad sighed.
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Jihoon crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, unbothered. "I'm not hard-headed. I just don't see the point of pretending to care about people who don't care about us."
"You're so focused on avoiding these events that you don't realize how important they are for the family," his dad said, his tone more frustrated now. "It's not just about liking people. It's about maintaining connections. That's how this world works."
Jihoon rolled his eyes. "Connections? More like fake friendships."
"Jihoon," his mom cut in, her voice softer but still firm, "We're just asking you to understand that sometimes, being part of this family means doing things you don't want to. It's a sacrifice."
He sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I'm not willing to make that sacrifice. Not for people who barely care whether I'm there or not."
"You're a part of this family, Jihoon, whether you like it or not," his dad snapped. "And we expect you to act like it."
Without another word, Jihoon stood up and left the room, his frustration boiling beneath the surface.
"Maybe this is for the best, if we force relationships things will be worse then they are." His mom sighed.
"This is unacceptable, it's like his getting out of hand by the day." His dad added.
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Jihoon's pov:
As I walked out of the office, trying to shake off the frustration from the conversation with my parents, I saw Hyeon coming out of his room. He had that usual carefree look on his face, like nothing in the world could get to him.
"Uncle Jaehwa is taking me to the mall, want to tag along?" he asked, his voice light.
I didn't even hesitate. "Yes, please." Anything to get away from this house, from the suffocating pressure my parents always seemed to put on me.
We headed downstairs, and I could already feel the weight lifting a little. Uncle Jaehwa was waiting by the door, keys in hand, giving us a welcoming smile when he saw us approach. He always had this calm vibe, the kind of energy that made you feel like everything was chill, no matter what kind of storm was raging on the inside.
"Ready to hit the mall, boys?" he asked, giving us a playful wink.
"Absolutely," I said, feeling a bit lighter already.
As we got into the car, I couldn't help but glance out the window, watching the familiar streets of Seoul pass by. I tried not to think about the argument, about my parents, or about the mess of emotions that constantly seemed to swirl in my head. But no matter how hard I tried to push it all away, it lingered.
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The next week on a Wednesday evening after school Minji's pov: As I quickly rushed to pack my stuff to catch up with Jihoon, having two different classes at the end of the day it's hard to see him especially when his driver is outside and ready to go.
I threw my bag over my shoulder and rushed out the class leaving Yuna behind, as I reached the stairwell to the front door of the building I spotted him walking out distructed by his phone as always. Excited I ran up to out behind him but before I could reach him and call out to him, he walked up to a guy who was covered by a mask and hat. He hugged him and they entered his car
The excitement that had been bubbling inside me froze in an instant. My feet slowed to a halt as I watched Jihoon walk up to the guy in the mask and hat. The hug looked casual, but there was something about it that made my chest tighten uncomfortably.
I stood there, frozen, watching as they both got into Jihoon's car, his driver already waiting with the door open. My heart sank as the door closed behind them, and the car started pulling away from the curb.
A million thoughts rushed through my head. Who was that guy? Why did Jihoon hug him like that? Why didn't he mention meeting anyone after school?
I swallowed hard, trying to push down the wave of emotions threatening to rise. It's nothing, I told myself, he can have friends, he's not tied to you. But the thought didn't stop the nagging ache in my chest, the feeling that I had just seen something I wasn't supposed to.
I turned on my heel, walking back inside, my pace slower now. Yuna caught up to me, raising an eyebrow as she noticed the change in my mood.
"Hey, where'd you go? I thought you were rushing to catch up with Jihoon," she said, her tone light.
I forced a smile, trying to hide the confusion swirling inside me. "Yeah, I was, but… he already left," I muttered, trying to sound casual, but I could feel my voice wavering just a little.
Yuna glanced at me, clearly sensing something was off. "You okay?"
"Yeah, totally," I lied. "Let's just go, I've got a lot of homework to get through."
As we walked together, I couldn't stop my mind from replaying that hug over and over again.
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Jihoon's pov:
"I can't wait to see Hyeon-ni, it's been forever since I've got to see him face to face." Joon rejoiced.
"You know you didn't have to come all this way right," I told him, "what, don't you feel nice that I picked you up from school today?" He asked.
"I mean, I could've just gone home like usual," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road as the driver navigated through the city. But even as I said it, I could feel the slight tug of warmth in my chest. It wasn't like I was used to people going out of their way for me, and Joon showing up like this... it was unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Joon, always the upbeat one, just laughed and nudged me with his elbow. "Come on, don't act like you're not happy to see me. I'm your bestie, after all."
I rolled my eyes. "You keep telling yourself that."
Joon gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Wow, the betrayal. After all we've been through! You're so cold, Jihoon."
I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at his theatrics. "You're impossible."
"And you love me for it," Joon grinned, settling back in his seat. "But seriously, it's nice to hang out. Feels like we haven't done this in forever."
He wasn't wrong.
"Yeah, it's good to see you," I admitted, glancing at him. "Being an Idol does keep you busy."
"Tell me about it, I don't know why I even chose this career." He sighed, "it's okay buddy, you can tough it out." I laughed.
Joon chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess I don't have much of a choice now, huh? But seriously, it's not as glamorous as people think. There are days when I just want to disappear and live like a normal person again, you know?"
I nodded, understanding more than I let on. "Yeah, I can imagine. Always being under the spotlight must suck sometimes."
"Sometimes?" He scoffed playfully.
"Try all the time. But hey, at least I get to pick up my best friend from school and complain about it."
I smirked. "Glad I could be your personal therapist."
"You should start charging me for sessions," Joon quipped, flashing a grin. "But honestly, it's refreshing to be around someone who doesn't treat me like Joon the Idol. With you, I can just be me."
I looked over at him, feeling a pang of sympathy. Joon always seemed so carefree, but I knew there was more going on beneath the surface. It couldn't be easy having to maintain that perfect image all the time.
"Well, you know you can always be yourself around me," I said. "Even if you are a pain in the ass most of the time."
Joon grinned, his mood lightening again. "Thanks, Hoon. I guess that's why you're stuck with me."
As we neared the house, I couldn't help but feel excited.
"Ready to cause some trouble?" Joon asked, mischief twinkling in his eyes.
I smirked. "Always."
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As we pulled up infront of the house Joon gently and quietly clapped his hand in excitement, "did you guys move into a bigger house or something?!" He said as we got out the car.
"This is the family house, so it has to be big." I said as we walked into the courtyard. "I know your family is rich, rich, but does their network grow by the year?" He said looking at the big fountain Statue.
I laughed as we made our way through the courtyard, the sound of the fountain bubbling in the background. "Yeah, something like that. Honestly, I don't even keep track of it anymore."
Joon whistled, still taking in the grandeur of the place. "Man, if I had a house like this, I'd never leave."
"Trust me, it gets old pretty fast," I said, shrugging. "It's just a house. A big one, sure, but still just a house."
Joon raised an eyebrow at me, clearly not convinced. "Right. Says the guy who grew up in a mansion. But I get it—you're used to it. For me, though, it's like stepping into a movie set."
As we reached the entrance, the front door opened, and Hyeon stepped out with a big smile.
"JOON!" He rejoiced as he ran up to him, "Ah, HYEONI MY BABY!" Joon rejoiced as they hugged each other.
Hyeon laughed, pulling back from the hug but keeping his hands on Joon's shoulders. "You've been gone way too long! I barely recognize you with all that idol makeup."
Joon rolled his eyes dramatically. "Please, I look fabulous with or without it."
I smirked, watching the two of them. There was always something contagious about their energy when they got together, like they had their own little world. It was nice seeing Hyeon genuinely happy like this.
TBC