"He's containing the situation."
"By silencing me? By using my own contract against me?"
"By protecting you from information that could destroy you."
"That's not his choice to make!"
"According to your contract, it is." Manager Park's voice was heavy. "I'm sorry. But my hands are tied."
Haejin looked around the room. At the members staring at him. At Soorin with tears on her face. At Manager Park who couldn't meet his eyes.
"So that's it? I'm just supposed to accept being kept in the dark?"
"For now, yes."
Haejin laughed bitterly. "And if I don't?"
"Then Hayes will exercise every legal option in that contract. Suspension. Termination. Lawsuits. He'll bury you."
"So I'm trapped."
"You're protected."
"Same thing."
Haejin sat down heavily. The fight drained out of him.
Because Hayes had won. Had used the very contract that made Haejin a star to silence him.
"I hate this," he said quietly. "I hate all of this."
"I know."
