"Professional conduct at all times. No controversies. Clean public image." Manager Park hesitates. Uncomfortable. "And... full disclosure of any romantic relationships."
The room goes dead silent.
You could hear a pin drop.
"Disclosure?" Minjae repeats slowly.
"If any of you are currently in relationships—which is absolutely your private business—the studio needs to know about it. For management purposes. To avoid any... surprises during the promotional period."
"And if we don't disclose?" Taekyung asks. His voice carefully neutral.
"Contract violation. Potential immediate termination of the partnership. Financial penalties." Manager Park looks miserable having to say this. "I'm sorry. I don't like it either. But it's standard for international partnerships of this scale."
Haejin's face is carefully blank.
But inside, his mind is racing.
Not with panic. With... possibility.
He and Soorin had already planned to announce when they got back to Seoul.
