Eui-Jin leaned forward, his brow furrowing with concern as he addressed Chairman Jung, Woo-Bin's grandfather. "What do you want me to do now, Chairman Jung?" he asked, fully aware of the weight of the conversation—a pivotal discussion about the future of the agency and the career paths of its members.
Chairman Jung let out a deep sigh, his fingers anxiously rubbing the bridge of his nose as if attempting to massage away the pressure of his overwhelming responsibilities. "This has been Woo-Bin's dream since childhood," he lamented, his voice tinged with weariness. "I still remember the spark in their eyes during those early days. The genuine passion they shared was admirable, a force drawing them closer. But over the past year, I've witnessed these young souls transform into something else. Initially, I thought their discords were due to age and culture, but noticing more closely, it became evident: they chose to build emotional walls between them. Conversations turned into sharp exchanges filled with resentment, and I watched helplessly as members grew apart. Ha-Neul seemed to be the only one striving for unity, while the others simply turned their backs."
Chairman Jung's disappointment was tangible as he gazed at Eui-Jin, his disapproval unspoken yet clear. The tension in the room thickened as he voiced the crux of his concern. "I cannot allow the mistakes of one or a few to jeopardize Woo-Bin's future. It is necessary that we mend the relationships among the members. They must rebuild trust, but we must proceed with caution. Allow them space to realize their need for one another."
The chairman's strategy was to give the members the freedom to pursue their individual lives, hoping that a period of estrangement might lead to a renewed appreciation for one another. However, Eui-Jin understood the precariousness of such a plan; time was not on their side. There was the looming threat that, in their separation, the members might question whether LUMINA still served their best interests—a risk that could lead to the group's unofficial disbandment, a scenario he could not afford.
"I can't simply let them drift apart," Eui-Jin responded with firm determination, his voice a stark contrast to the uncertainty that swirled in his mind. He grappled with the realization that, as CEO, he had no right to dictate the course of their personal lives, yet the look on Chairman Jung's face underscored the gravity of the situation. "They need time, yes, but if I let them go their separate ways, it would undermine everything we've built. We might as well nail the coffin for LUMINA."
Understanding the weight of Woo-Bin's struggles, Eui-Jin continued, "I know Woo-Bin would face the most challenges if we pushed him into a solo career—he's the weakest performer," he declared, knowing full well that Woo-Bin's contributions had largely been behind the scenes as a talented producer, with his performance skills lagging in comparison to the rest. Debuting him solo amid an ongoing PR crisis would only amplify the backlash against him. Yet, Eui-Jin recognized that Woo-Bin possessed a distinct advantage—his exceptional vocal abilities, which could pave a different path.
"Strategic media play can turn a PR crisis into an opportunity," Eui-Jin stated, a hint of confidence returning to his demeanor. "For the new singing survival show that your company is hosting, I propose we send Woo-Bin there. That way, he can show his vocal skills and gain traction. Then, we can debut him alongside Haruto as a subunit." This plan aimed to leverage LUMINA's current spotlight to not only promote the survival show but also to underscore Woo-Bin's vocal talents without drawing focus on his performance capabilities. This approach would allow both Woo-Bin and Haruto to develop a fanbase while still giving Ha-Neul and Jay the breathing room they needed for their personal lives, and allowing Wuhao to take a much-needed hiatus.
Chairman Jung chuckled softly, trying to lighten the air between them. "Where was that sharp mind of yours when handling Wuhao's mental health?" Eui-Jin chuckled in response, the tension easing slightly. "I'll have a conversation with Woo-Bin. You should talk to Haruto," he said, rising from his seat but turning back with a raised eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of concern. "What are you planning to do about Wuhao's health issues? You're already under intense scrutiny; it's only a matter of time before the labor ministry comes knocking on your door or you start receiving funeral wreaths."
Eui-Jin met the chairman's gaze head-on, a calm resolve settling within him. "I'm going to do nothing, Chairman," he asserted, the confidence in his tone unwavering. "The person responsible for addressing this is the one who started it all."
"Impossible," Haruto exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief as Jay recounted Eui-Jin's debut plans for him. "There's no way I could stand on a stage with a microphone to my lips while Wuhao is battling his health issues. This isn't just about me; it's about our fans too. They'll think I'm exploiting a member's suffering for personal gain, and that's something I refuse to do." Haruto's frustration bubbled over as he rose, preparing to storm out, but Jay's grip on his arm stopped him.
"Haruto, we need to take a step back from this. I know you're upset, but think about it: this could be the pinnacle of our career if we don't throw in the towel now. We need momentum, or we risk fading away. Please, I'm begging you," Jay pleaded, desperation seeping into his tone as he sank to the floor and clasped his hands together in earnest appeal. "Even if LUMINA disbands today, at least you and Woo-Bin will have a chance to keep going. You've both sacrificed so much to reach this point. This can't be the end of your careers."
Haruto, however, was not in the mood for sympathy. "And what about Ha-Neul Hyung? What about Wuhao?" he shot back, fury igniting in his chest. "Didn't Wuhao deserve a shot at a successful career? Ha-Neul Hyung— Just because he's engaged to the prince now, does that mean his life is over? You and Eui-Jin Hyung have shown time and again that we're just pawns in your game. It's greed-driven and selfish! Offering Ha-Neul up as a sacrificial lamb to the prince, thinking that manipulating us like that would somehow save the company? Look where that got us." Haruto's voice trembled as emotions surged, tears brimming in his eyes. "Ha-Neul Hyung is struggling now because he won't align himself with someone who doesn't appreciate him. And that led to Wuhao's scandal, and now it threatens to take us all down with it."
As he spoke, Haruto's anger festered, his hands instinctively seizing Jay by the collar and pinning him against the wall. "All this time, I kept quiet because I thought this wasn't my responsibility. But it was yours! You're the leader! Yet, time after time, you let Eui-Jin Hyung put us at risk because you're too afraid to stand up for us. You never should've debuted with us. It's painfully clear that your priorities have always been elsewhere!"
"Haruto!" Jay shouted, retaliating with a sharp slap that echoed in the tense air, sending Haruto sprawling to the floor. "And I'm right, aren't I!?" Haruto barked back, the pain mingling with his rage as tears streamed down his face. "You've never cared about us! You're just using this as an escape from your family, to climb into Eui-Jin's pants!" His voice rang with raw truth, a truth that Jay found unbearable.
"Say that again," Jay hissed, his fist connecting with Haruto's jaw and drawing blood. "I dare you to say that again!" He seized Haruto's arm, wrenching it painfully while tangling his fingers in his hair, pulling his head back to hear him scream in agony. "I made you who you are today! Idid! I worked endlessly, day and night, all while being scrutinized. I walked aimlessly in a mask, looking for someone who shared my passion. I found you, crumpled on the sidewalk, thrown away like trash after being bullied for your scandal. I rescued you from a miserable end in a foreign land where others recognized you enough to harm you for something you didn't even do. And this is how you repay me?" Jay's grip tightened, drawing another cry from Haruto.
"Jay!" A sudden, commanding voice broke through the chaos as Ha-Neul burst into the room, having heard the commotion. Woo-Bin followed closely behind, his eyes widening in horror at the sight of Haruto's battered face. They rushed forward, Ha-Neul yanking Jay back while Woo-Bin knelt beside Haruto, pulling him away from the scene of violence. "Have you lost your mind?" Ha-Neul glared at Jay, his concern escalating as he noted Jay's lack of injuries. "Did I send you here to hurt him?"
Jay opened his mouth to explain but the words faded when he saw Haruto's battered features, the gravity of his actions dawning on him.
"What happened?" Ha-Neul turned to face Haruto, richly concerned as he observed the swelling that marred Haruto's face. "You—hiccup—talk—hiccup—you talk about repaying—hiccup—repaying you?" Haruto stuttered, fighting back tears that threatened to run down his cheeks. "I never—hiccup—I never claimed I was—hiccup—ungrateful. You helped me—hiccup—when I was at my lowest. I am grateful—hiccup—but you stopped caring. You made me dream—hiccup—when this wasn't even your dream." Woo-Bin gently rubbed Haruto's back, offering silent support as Ha-Neul instinctively recognized the turmoil unfolding.
"I understand," Ha-Neul responded softly, signaling for Woo-Bin to help take Haruto to the physician while he pulled Jay aside for a serious conversation. Woo-Bin nodded, leading Haruto away while Ha-Neul shot an intense, furious glare at Jay. "You and I have a lot to discuss."
"Did you agree to the debut plan?" Haruto's voice cut through the tension in the room as he reached out, gripping Woo-Bin's arm while the latter was applying an ointment to his lips. Woo-Bin averted his gaze, but Haruto's persistent stare bore into him, compelling him to meet his eyes once more. "Did you agree to the debut plan or not?" Haruto's brow furrowed in concern, and it dawned on Woo-Bin that evasion was no longer an option.
"We truly have no choice, Haruto," Woo-Bin replied softly, his heart sinking as he witnessed the despair that clouded Haruto's expression. With a heavy sigh, Haruto wiped his eyes, burying his face in the fabric of his sleeves, trying to gather his thoughts. Woo-Bin, sensing his distress, gently placed a reassuring hand on Haruto's back, stroking it with caution. "Plans like this require months of planning and strategic thinking, and no one will suspect anything from us. I believe our fans will support us if we approach it right," he said. Woo-Bin hoped Haruto would come to understand the significance of this opportunity for both of them, yet it wasn't the debut plan itself that troubled Haruto—it was the emotionally fraught circumstances they found themselves in.
"Anything but this," Haruto pleaded, his voice wavering as he locked eyes with Woo-Bin, the threat of tears evident. "Can you even imagine how Wuhao would feel about this?" The mention of Wuhao made Woo-Bin roll his eyes in frustration, aware of the other man's tendency to dwell on negatives. "Wuhao was already considering a hiatus," he countered calmly, but Haruto dismissed it with a shake of his head.
"That's just lies—more lies," Haruto insisted vehemently. The news of Wuhao's potential hiatus hadn't been made public; even the members were unaware, as he had yet to announce a valid reason for stepping away from the spotlight. Haruto firmly believed it was yet another ploy devised by Eui-Jin to control their minds.
"Listen to me," Woo-Bin interjected gently, taking hold of Haruto's face in his hands, forcing him to focus on his words. "Life doesn't always align with our desires. I recognize that your reaction stems from your trauma, but you must understand that this situation is fundamentally different. You've already achieved success; it's time to let go of the past. You and I—we're the backbone of LUMINA now, and it's our responsibility to make it survive." However poignant Woo-Bin's words were, they seemed to land with little impact on Haruto, who remained caught in the web of his memories.
"I'll do anything else," Haruto responded desperately, grasping Woo-Bin's hands with a fervor that betrayed his emotional state. "I'll agree to any other plan, but not this one. People will tear us apart if we debut under these circumstances. Please, just trust me on this. Let's wait until Wuhao issues a public statement." It was clear that Haruto clung tightly to the past, yet Woo-Bin was determined not to let bygone events hinder their future or the collective future of their group. Waiting for Wuhao to articulate his plans would be too late; time was of the essence, especially with the changes brewing on Wuhao's end.
"So, you'll do anything else, right?" Woo-Bin smirked, playfulness creeping back into his tone as he slid his hand down to Haruto's waist, pulling him in closer. He settled Haruto's hands gently on his chest, locking eyes with him. "Then date me."