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“Beomgyu... how do you feel?"The soft, almost uncanny whisper stirred the said boy from the depths of unconsciousness, coaxing him back to awareness. Blinking against the heaviness of his eyelids, he struggled to pry open his eyes, greeted only by an impenetrable darkness. A feeling of discomfort washed over him as he realized his vision was obscured by a thick fabric.As if it wasn't scary enough, the chill of the ground beneath him sent a shiver through his body, confirming he lay on a hard surface—concrete, he guessed.Struggling to sit up, Beomgyu found out that his hands were bound behind him. The ropes weren't painful on his wrists, but they were tight and uncomfortable. Worried and confused, Beomgyu attempted to sit up, trying to piece together how he had ended up in this troubling situation. Then, a voice broke through the air, sounding as though the speaker was right in front of him.“Oh, does it hurt?"Beomgyu recognized it as the same voice that had whispered to him earlier, now speaking in a low tone instead. His eyes widened beneath the blindfold. There was no mistaking the voice of his friend.“Yeonjun?" Beomgyu uttered, the name escaping his lips almost in disbelief, as if speaking it aloud would confirm or dispel the surreal situation he found himself in.Instead of responding, that person extended his hand towards Beomgyu, causing the boy to flinch as he felt fingertips tracing his jawline and stopping at his chin. The inability to see only heightened his anxiety.At that moment, a pair of hands touched his hair, or more specifically, the fabric around his hair. Beomgyu winced in confusion, his senses alerting him that they were not the only people in the room. There was a subtle movement around him, hinting at the presence of others. The person carefully removed the blindfold, allowing it to slide off Beomgyu's eyes naturally. His vision slowly came into focus, revealing a scene that left him utterly dumbfounded. Standing before him were not just Yeonjun, but three additional figures, forming a group of four.Beomgyu's mouth fell open in disbelief. What intensified the surreal nature of the moment was recognizing that all four individuals were his friends—the very ones he shared stages, practices, and laughter with as they navigated their careers as idols.Yeonjun, Soobin, Taehyun, and Kai stood silently before him, their usually bright auras strangely darkened. With their composed demeanor in response to his unsettling predicament, Beomgyu couldn't shake the unnerving thought that they might be responsible for his current situation. He quickly dismissed the idea, unwilling to believe it.“Guys, w-what's going on?" Beomgyu managed to ask, his voice betraying a mix of politeness and underlying urgency, his inner turmoil demanded for answers.There was still no response, they simply stared at him. Without warning, as if choreographed, Yeonjun, Soobin, Taehyun, and Kai raised their hands in unison and began to slowly unbutton their shirts, each movement slow and oddly sensual."Huh?" Beomgyu blurted out, his confusion deepening into a state beyond mere bewilderment.For some unknown reason, he felt uneasy, frightened even. Their eyes remained fixed on him. The deliberate, almost ritualistic manner in which they exposed their skin heightened the unsettling atmosphere. It seemed as though their gaze held an insatiable hunger, a primal intensity that suggested they could consume him whole at any moment, leaving him feeling vulnerable and uncertain in their presence.Beomgyu's worst fear was confirmed. His so-called friends swarmed around him, their intentions clear. With ruthless efficiency, they subdued him, pinning him helplessly to the ground. They were relentless, their actions pushing the boundaries of what he considered acceptable. Buttons were undone, kisses and bites rained down upon his exposed neck, and his earlobes were nibbled playfully. Private areas were touched and manipulated with shameless abandon. It was all too much, too sudden, leaving him paralyzed with shock.His protests were futile, his bound hands making any resistance impossible against the sheer weight of their numbers. He was caught in a whirlwind of their enthusiasm, a whirlwind that had spiraled out of control.He had always gone along with their demands, wanting to help them, to be a good friend. But now, the line had been crossed. A wave of doubt washed over him. Had he made a mistake?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The World Tour concert was ablaze with energy as TXT took the stage, Yeonjun and Soobin dominated the stage with their captivating performance of ‘The Killa’, accompanied by a provocative choreography that drove fans wild.The duo's chemistry was undeniable, their moves sharp and seductive. The auditorium reverberated with screams and cheers from the adoring Moas, who were absolutely enthralled by the show.As the song reached its end, the lights dimmed, and the stage fell into darkness, leaving behind a sea of waving lightsticks and ecstatic fans. The song had evidently resonated deeply with the audience, its influence echoing throughout the venue.Yet, despite the applause and adoration, Yeonjun and Soobin couldn't help but feel conflicted. They knew all too well that a significant portion of the audience shipped them or admired their chemistry, often seeing them as an ideal pair. This perception often led TXT to maintain a cautious distance in public displays of affection among members.Fame, they knew, was a double-edged sword. It promised adulation and success, but it also brought scrutiny and misinterpretation. The producers and managers were acutely aware of the potential complications the song could bring, particularly with Yeonjun and Soobin performing it exclusively. Despite this, they chose to include the song in the setlist to capitalize on its allure, recognizing its potential to attract a larger, more fervent fanbase.TXT, as a group, cherished their platonic bond deeply. Each member was a close friend, and any insinuation otherwise left a bitter taste.Backstage, the group reunited in the waiting room. Beomgyu was quick to greet Yeonjun and Soobin enthusiastically. His cheerful demeanor momentarily distracted them from their inner turmoil."You guys killed it out there!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm, but his expression softened as he noticed their contemplative gazes. "Is everything alright?"The question made Huening Kai and Taehyun widen their eyes in concern, tilting their head to the side to get a good look at their bandmates' faces.Yeonjun and Soobin exchanged a glance, silently communicating their shared thoughts. Soobin offered a reassuring smile. "Yeah, just catching our breath. That choreo was intense,” he replied casually, attempting to reassure their bandmates.Yeonjun nodded in agreement, though his thoughts lingered on the complexities fame brought to their lives. Despite their best efforts to steer clear of controversy, the allure of the spotlight continued to cast a shadow over their otherwise unbreakable camaraderie.Kai and Taehyun exchanged glances, sensing there was more beneath the surface, but with the next song approaching and they had to get ready, they let it slide for the moment....As the concert drew to a close, TXT bid farewell to their adoring Moa fans, who screamed and cheered with unrelenting passion, unwilling to see the performance end. The members gathered onstage, ready to share heartfelt embraces as they always did at the end of their world tours.At that moment, Yeonjun noticed Beomgyu approaching him a bit earlier than usual. He was taken aback when Beomgyu leaned heavily on him, resting his head on Yeonjun's shoulder as if they might both topple over if Yeonjun moved. The scene didn't go unnoticed, drawing the attention of not just their bandmates but also the audience.Not wanting any misunderstandings, Yeonjun whispered to Beomgyu to remind him, "Beomgyu, the show isn't over yet," only to be met with his pale, exhausted expression.Reacting swiftly, Yeonjun exchanged urgent glances with Soobin, Kai, and Taehyun. They nodded in silent agreement, understanding the need to act quickly to support their friend and ease any worries among their fans.Yeonjun carefully adjusted, wrapping Beomgyu's arm around his neck and placing his other hand on Beomgyu's waist, guiding him towards the backstage area."Heh... It seems Beomgyu got a bit emotional bidding you all goodbye, so we'll say it on his behalf while he takes a breather backstage," Soobin announced with a reassuring smile, trying to lighten the mood."Oh, really? Haha... Beomgyu always knows how to keep us on our toes," Taehyun chimed in, flashing a comforting grin towards the audience."Yeah, saying goodbye is never easy, especially when Moa is so supportive," Kai added warmly, his voice filled with appreciation....Behind the stage, Yeonjun gently guided Beomgyu to a cozy couch tucked discreetly in the waiting room, shielding him from all the noise that echoed through the corridors.He handled Beomgyu with utmost care, not wanting to exacerbate any discomfort. Once Beomgyu was comfortably settled, Yeonjun softly brushed his hand against his friend's forehead to check for any sign of fever, relieved to find none.A female staff member soon arrived, her concern palpable as she conducted a thorough check on Beomgyu, confirming that he had indeed fainted.She gently explained that Beomgyu had likely pushed himself beyond his limits, enduring through the concert despite exhaustion, determined not to disrupt the group's performance or cause any concern. However, towards the end, his body gave out, and he collapsed onto Yeonjun's shoulder, likely due to anemia.Yeonjun's heart clenched with worry as he absorbed her words. Beomgyu and the other members were more than just fellow idols, they were his close friends, his family. Now, with Beomgyu suddenly taken backstage, a sense of emptiness lingered, a void that seemed impossible to fill."The trio are still out there, you should join them, I will look after Beomgyu for the time being." the staff member suggested, pulling Yeonjun out of his thoughts.Right, he should return to the stage. Beomgyu wasn't even in danger; there was no injury or illness beyond exhaustion. Fulfilling their tasks on stage was crucial, and letting personal worries interfere was something they couldn't afford.But then… Why am I hesitating? he thought.His feet felt rooted to the spot, his gaze lingering on Beomgyu's pale face. It wasn't just concern for his bandmate that held him back, though that was certainly part of it. As an idol, Yeonjun knew the show must go on, yet something tugged at his heartstrings, urging him to stay.Was it simply a worry for Beomgyu's well-being, or was there more to it? Yeonjun wrestled with conflicting emotions. Despite knowing Beomgyu was safe, a part of him yearned to remain by his side.As his heart clenched tighter the longer he looked at Beomgyu, Yeonjun realized something. If it wasn't the duty weighing on his decision, nor the deep bond they all shared, then... What was this feeling even about?In the midst of swirling thoughts, Yeonjun parted his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but before he could speak, a third voice chimed in."Yeonjun, you should head back. I'll be fine under her care," Beomgyu murmured wearily, his words laced with a hint of sarcasm. "We can't let Moas worry their little heads over us, can we?”Yeonjun blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Beomgyu's remark. He hadn't expected Beomgyu to downplay his own condition with such nonchalance. Regaining his composure quickly, Yeonjun nodded firmly. "Right. I'll go back to the stage. Just take your time and rest.”“You know I will,” Beomgyu affirmed with a gentle smile, causing Yeonjun to involuntarily flinch.For a brief moment, Yeonjun seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyes widening as if caught off guard by the emotions swirling within him. Yeonjun tore his gaze away and turned towards the stage, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush—a subtle sign of a new and inexplicable feeling that had begun to take root within him.Upon his return, Yeonjun rejoined the trio, and together they bid farewell to their adoring Moas.Gradually, the cheers from the audience regained their fervor. Despite the earlier interruption, the group managed to gracefully conclude the evening without further incident. Yet, in the background, the lingering possibility of unfounded rumors and speculations remained ever-present....As they finally made it back to their van safely and reunited with Beomgyu, Taehyun was the first to speak up."Beomgyu, you should have told us sooner! What if you had collapsed in the middle of the performance?" His voice was filled with palpable worry."Yeah, we were really anxious for you," Kai added, his tone firm and sincere, earning a nod of agreement from Soobin."I-I'm sorry for causing you guys trouble and messing up the concert," Beomgyu replied sheepishly, his gaze fixed on his hands resting on his knees, "I tried my best to hang on until the end, but I ended up fainting midway through.”The air in the van was thick with a mix of emotions: concern, relief, and a touch of frustration. They were a tightly-knit group, but moments like these reminded them of the fragility of their roles as idols and the importance of communication in their group dynamics."Hm? Beomgyu, have you been eating well recently? You look a bit… thin," Soobin voiced his concern, drawing the attention of everyone. They all noticed how Beomgyu seemed slimmer than usual.Yeonjun took it upon himself to act, approaching Taehyun with a relaxed demeanor. He wrapped his arms around Taehyun's waist and lifted him up for a brief moment before gently setting him down."What was that for?" Taehyun queried, bewildered by the unexpected lift.Ignoring Taehyun's question, Yeonjun turned his attention to Beomgyu. In a similar manner, he lifted Beomgyu up, this time with surprising ease, causing the younger boy to gasp in shock.After setting Beomgyu down, Yeonjun let out a sigh and rubbed his temples, visibly concerned."Beomgyu, you're too light. Even Taehyun, who is shorter than you, weighs more," he remarked, causing Taehyun to grimace in irritation in the background. Ignoring Taehyun's reaction, Yeonjun continued, "Please take care of yourself. Eat more and stay healthy. Don't push yourself too hard."His words hung in the air, filled with genuine worry for his friend's well-being."Okay, okay, I definitely will," Beomgyu awkwardly replied, his tone betraying a mix of reluctance and humor. The other members could sense that Beomgyu might not take Yeonjun's advice to heart completely.To drive the point home, Soobin grabbed a box of cookies and held one up to Beomgyu's lips, nudging him gently. "Open your mouth," Soobin requested, though his tone carried a hint of insistence."Wait, wait, wait! I said I'll eat properly, don't force me!" Beomgyu protested, a nervous edge creeping into his voice as he chuckled awkwardly."If you're serious about taking care of yourself, then why not eat this?" Soobin countered, gripping Beomgyu's jaw firmly to coax him into opening his mouth despite his protests.Growing impatient with Beomgyu's stubbornness, Taehyun joined in, holding Beomgyu's hands down to keep him in place. "Listen to your hyung, Beomgyu! Don't act like a child!" he urged.The tension inside the van escalated unnecessarily, with Yeonjun shaking his head in defeat. They were around the same age, though Soobin was technically three months older than Beomgyu. Additionally, Beomgyu sometimes acts like a child, so Taehyun was not entirely wrong.Kai, meanwhile, tried half-heartedly to intervene, knowing the futility of stopping Soobin and Taehyun's determined efforts. "Guys, this is no time for arguments," he sighed, hoping to diffuse the situation.The ruckus continued for a long while inside the moving van. The staff, accustomed to their spirited interactions, paid little mind, assuming it was business as usual.However, Soobin and Taehyun abruptly halted their movements when they noticed a glint of moisture at the corners of Beomgyu's eyes, he was about to cry. In that fleeting moment, Beomgyu appeared unexpectedly vulnerable, his usual bright demeanor overshadowed by a hint of distress. It wasn't clear whether it was a genuine emotional response or a calculated bid for sympathy.Yeonjun and Kai, witnessing the scene unfold, exchanged surprised glances, their own reactions mirroring a mix of concern and confusion.After a brief moment of contemplation, Taehyun was the first to relent, gently releasing Beomgyu's hands and creating some space. "Soobin, maybe we should stop forcing him, he's not comfortable with it," Taehyun suggested, putting his hand on Soobin's shoulder.Strangely enough, the light touch startled Soobin, as if he had been abruptly snapped out of a deep reverie. "O-Oh... right, we should," he responded absentmindedly.He withdrew the cookie and deliberately released Beomgyu's jaw, though his fingertips lingered a moment longer before finally retracting.The subtle gesture didn't go unnoticed by the other members, particularly Yeonjun. They all experienced a similar sensation when witnessing Beomgyu's vulnerable side: A gentle stirring in their hearts. However, this feeling wasn't potent enough for them to grasp its deep meaning, so they brushed the moment aside as if it hadn't occurred.It didn't help when Beomgyu had an androgynous attractiveness and long hair that pulled both genders, making the group collectively acknowledge his unintentional charm. Beomgyu should realize the influence he has, they thought in unison."Anyway… I apologize for the forceful feeding earlier. We just wanted to make sure you're healthy," Taehyun reassured Beomgyu, breaking the awkward tension."No worries, guys. I'm not mad, haha..." Surprisingly, Beomgyu seemed unfazed, laughing off the incident as if it were a harmless joke.The group couldn't help but feel he was too laid-back and needed to assert himself more. Their thoughts were interrupted when Beomgyu called over Soobin and Taehyun, asking them to lean in closer to him, much to their confusion.Beomgyu gently placed his hands on their cheeks, a sudden intimate gesture that caused both Soobin and Taehyun to flinch, their cheeks tinged with a faint blush. In the background, Yeonjun and Kai looked on in disbelief.Both Soobin and Taehyun found themselves leaning closer to Beomgyu's touch; it was surreal.However, their thoughts were cut short when Beomgyu playfully pinched both of their cheeks, causing them to squeal simultaneously. "Hehe... Consider this payback for earlier bullying! Don't think I'll let you off that easily!" Beomgyu declared proudly, releasing their cheeks, which by then had turned red.His unexpected shift in demeanor and teasing left all members momentarily stunned, unsure whether to feel intimidated or amused, perhaps a bit of both.But at the end of the day, Beomgyu remained true to himself, and they adored him for it....Upon arrival at the hotel, the van halted, prompting the staff to move and prepare rooms for all TXT members.Despite Beomgyu not needing any assistance, Yeonjun instinctively reached out as if offering to help him out of the van. However, before Yeonjun could act, Kai had already stepped in, gently guiding Beomgyu and reminding him to watch his step.Yeonjun awkwardly pulled back his hand, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed his unconscious gesture, which fortunately, no one did."Thanks Kai, but I'm okay, really. I can walk on my own," Beomgyu said, feeling a bit embarrassed by the sudden attention from his bandmates."No problem at all. Just making sure you're steady," Kai responded with a reassuring smile, which gained a shy but grateful nod from Beomgyu.As the group walked together towards the hotel entrance, the closeness and care exchanged between Kai and Beomgyu seemed to create an atmosphere of discomfort among the other members. Some felt a twinge of annoyance, unsure of why such innocent, platonic gestures were stirring up feelings of jealousy among them.After all, as idols, they were supposed to support each other without any hint of rivalry or possessiveness.All TXT members followed the manager's instructions and were assigned to share two bedrooms. In short, three would occupy one room, leaving the other room for the remaining two.Normally, this arrangement posed no issues as they were content with any roommate. However, tonight was different. Only Beomgyu remained unaffected, the other four all shared the same expectation: to be in the same room as Beomgyu.As the group patiently awaited the manager's random room assignment, the result soon arrived. The trio Yeonjun, Kai, and Taehyun were designated the first bedroom, leaving the other two to share the second room.Yeonjun's eyebrows twitched at the announcement of the outcome, questioning his luck. It was clear that Taehyun and Kai were also displeased. On the other hand, Soobin couldn't conceal his smile behind a facade of calmness, something the trio noticed.While Beomgyu remained oblivious to the tense atmosphere, Yeonjun was racking his brain for a solution. He couldn't bear the thought of those two being alone together.Before the manager could finalize the arrangements, Yeonjun spoke up. "Sir, I think another member should room with Beomgyu as well, just in case. We can't be sure he's completely healthy after all," he explained, trying to sway the manager's decision.Soobin couldn't help but feel irritated inside, Yeonjun was clearly trying to prevent him and Beomgyu from sharing a room. It didn’t matter who would be chosen, as long as the two of them weren't alone together.Beomgyu, however, seemed genuinely puzzled by the sudden wave of protectiveness and interjected, "Huh? Why are you making it sound like I'm seriously ill? I already said I'm perfectly fine.""Beomgyu, it's just a precaution. You did faint earlier, remember?" Yeonjun countered, using the incident as leverage."Come on, that was just—" Beomgyu attempted to protest, but Kai swiftly cut him off."Yeonjun has a point. It's better safe than sorry," Kai said."Yeah, he's just looking out for you," Taehyun chimed in, trying to soothe any lingering resistance.Outnumbered by his three bandmates, Beomgyu begrudgingly gave up. Meanwhile, the manager carefully considered Yeonjun's request. He finally spoke up, prompting the group to stop their debate and focus on him."Well... It wouldn't hurt to make a slight adjustment to the arrangement. Who wants to room with the other two?" he asked. Ironically, the trio simultaneously raised their hands, exchanging awkward glances as they realized their shared enthusiasm.Observing their reaction, the manager rubbed his chin thoughtfully, as if contemplating why the room arrangement had suddenly become such an issue.He sighed softly before continuing, "I understand everyone would prefer to stay together in one room, but unfortunately, each room has only one bed," he explained, causing confusion among the group.It appeared the managers and staff had misunderstood their true intentions regarding the rearrangement, but perhaps it was best that they remained unaware.After a prolonged discussion, lasting who knows how long, possibly around 20 minutes, they finally reached a decision."The three will take the floor, while Beomgyu and Soobin get the bed. It's the only way for you guys to room together. Happy now?" the manager asked with a tired yawn, reminding everyone of the late hour."But sir, that's not–" Soobin was about to object when Yeonjun jumped in cheerfully."Yes, that seems like the best choice for now. It's getting late, let's not drag this out unnecessarily," he said with a meaningful smirk.Taehyun and Kai had no objections. Beomgyu, despite disliking how the group wasted time arguing over a simple matter, was generally content.With no further discussion, the manager clapped once. "Alright, that wraps up our evening. Sweet dreams, everyone!" With a dismissive wave, he left, and the staff scattered, leaving the group on their own.Beomgyu was the first to go inside, claiming the bathroom for himself. "Is it okay if I take a shower first?" though he was polite enough to ask for permission."Go ahead, I'll come in after you're done," Yeonjun replied casually, placing his belongings in a corner of the room and bringing in a large mattress borrowed from the staff.Kai joined Yeonjun in helping to arrange pillows on the mattress, while Taehyun pulled out his pajamas and started getting changed. The trio's nonchalant demeanor left Soobin momentarily speechless; he was becoming increasingly frustrated with their antics but decided to let it slide for the time being.Not long after that, they heard the sound of the shower stop, a soft voice carried out from the bathroom, "Um, guys? I think I left my towel on the bed. Can someone grab it for me?" Beomgyu's voice held a hint of embarrassment.Taehyun, who happened to be standing closest to the bed, took the initiative to bring the towel. Standing by the door with frosted glass panels, he handed it over with a slight smile, "Here you go."As if on cue, the door creaked open, revealing a wet hand emerging from the foggy bathroom. Taehyun's breath caught at the sight of how smooth and delicate the skin looked, heightened by the sweet scent of shampoo that filled the air. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gulped for no particular reason.The door opened a bit further, allowing Taehyun to see Beomgyu's damp arm, shoulder, and half of his face. "Thanks, Taehyun," Beomgyu said appreciatively as he accepted the towel. Taehyun remained strangely still, feeling as if time had momentarily frozen around him.It was only when Beomgyu closed the door that the sound snapped Taehyun out of his daze. It was that tingling feeling again, though this time much more potent.Beomgyu came out of the shower not long after that, a towel casually draped around his neck, looking refreshed in his simple white pajamas. His skin appeared luminous against the plain fabric."I'm done! You can use the bathroom now, Yeonjun," he announced cheerfully as he strolled towards the bed.Yeonjun rose from the mattress, gathering his showering essentials. As he passed by Beomgyu, the lingering fragrance of shampoo wafted through the air, evoking that familiar sensation once more. He paused momentarily, struck by the subtle allure.Was it the shampoo? Beomgyu does smell really good, Yeonjun wondered, trying to make sense of the curious effect it had on him as he made his way into the bathroom.Beomgyu, with his longer hair taking more time to dry, was absorbed in rubbing his head with the towel. Kai couldn't seem to take his eyes off him."Do you need any help?" Kai offered, genuinely wanting to lend a hand."Thanks, Hyuka," Beomgyu responded warmly, the use of Kai's nickname bringing a smile to both of their faces.Beomgyu sat cross-legged on the bed while Kai stood behind him. His hands moved with care, gently rubbing the towel against Beomgyu's hair.There had always been playful banter between them, especially when Kai used to jokingly say that Beomgyu was his type or admitted on a gameshow once that he would date Beomgyu if he were a girl. It was all taken lightly, treated as harmless teasing that might excite their fans but was never meant to be taken seriously.But now, something has changed. Kai found himself noticing every subtle detail about Beomgyu: the way his hair fell, the nuances of his expressions, the faint scent that lingered around him; and then there was his neck, Kai couldn't take his eyes off the nape of Beomgyu's neck, which partly hidden beneath strands of hair.Despite not feeling hungry or having any particular desire, an urge stirred within him. It was a peculiar temptation to lean down and give that nape a firm bite."Kai... Kai? What's the matter?" Beomgyu's worried voice pulled him out of his impulsive thoughts. He blinked, realizing he had stopped midway through drying Beomgyu's hair."O-Oh, it's nothing," Kai replied absentmindedly, shaking off his distraction and resuming his task with a faint smile....After they finished bathing and prepared for bed, Soobin reached out to adjust the lamp, dimming it to help everyone sleep more easily. As he glanced at the trio on the floor, Soobin sensed they hadn't slept yet, and he suspected they were secretly keeping an eye on him, for a reason Beomgyu alone seemed oblivious to.What did they expect him to do while Beomgyu slept? Certainly not whatever weird scenario they might have come up with. Though... he couldn't deny the fact that he was finding it difficult to fall asleep next to Beomgyu at that moment.Coincidentally, Beomgyu glanced up from his side and locked eyes with Soobin, instantly capturing his attention.“Soobin, why are you all the way over there? You're gonna fall off the bed," he whispered softly, careful not to disturb the others. "Come closer, there's plenty of space for both of us."Beomgyu extended his hand and gently patted the empty spot next to him. Soobin could feel his own hand, resting on the pillow, tighten slightly at the invitation. Beomgyu's words carried a subtle suggestion that caused a blush to spread across his cheeks.He couldn't help but wonder when he had started interpreting innocent gestures in such a suggestive way. There was a mix of confusion and a flicker of something he dared not name."Erm... no, I'm fine lying here, good night," Soobin muttered as he turned over and drifted off to sleep, earning an understanding nod from Beomgyu. It was astonishing how casually he declined Beomgyu's offer.If it had been any other day, Soobin wouldn't have thought twice about joining Beomgyu for comfort. However, tonight was different. He knew all too well that if he moved closer, the desire to embrace Beomgyu would be irresistible. Plus, the trio on the floor, who were clearly not asleep yet, wouldn't allow him to budge an inch from his current position.After Soobin declined Beomgyu's offer, he could hear a faint rustling of the blanket on the floor. It appeared that the other members, having accepted Soobin's decision, had finally returned to sleep for real this time.Perhaps everything seemed new and confusing to TXT, but one thing was certain: Beomgyu was unaware of the temptation he unknowingly held, which could potentially invite trouble. The seeds of desire had been planted among the four members, and only time would reveal when they might grow into something more significant.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Early the next morning, Taehyun was the first to wake up, quietly following his morning routine and packing his belongings with careful attention so as not to disturb his sleeping friends.However, as he finished preparing, he noticed that Beomgyu was already awake, sitting on the edge of his bed, appearing slightly drowsy. Taehyun had almost forgotten that Beomgyu was also an early riser.He couldn't help but admire how Beomgyu still looked remarkably attractive even with a bedhead."Good morning, Beomgyu!" Taehyun greeted him warmly.Beomgyu let out a yawn, rubbing his tired eyes. Despite his sleepiness, he managed a smile and replied, "Morning..." He struggled to keep his eyes open and then sat there with them closed.Taehyun couldn't help but chuckle softly as he noticed Beomgyu dozing off while sitting. He quietly approached his friend and stood in front of him, taking in the sight of Beomgyu's peaceful, sleeping face.The more Taehyun looked, the more he found himself drawn to Beomgyu's angelic features. He couldn't tear his eyes away, mesmerized by the serene expression and the gentle rise and fall of Beomgyu's chest with each breath.From where he stood, Taehyun's gaze wandered down to catch a faint glimpse of Beomgyu's collarbone. Memory of the previous night's fleeting moment rushed back, and Taehyun felt a familiar tightness in his throat.His hand moved unconsciously, hesitatingly lifting toward Beomgyu's neck, fingers twitching as if compelled to gently trace the line of his collarbone. The desire to touch, to feel the warmth of Beomgyu's skin, was almost overwhelming.But before Taehyun could touch Beomgyu, he noticed the other boy leaning toward him. It turned out that Beomgyu had dozed off while sitting and was losing his balance.Reacting quickly, Taehyun instinctively opened his arms to catch his friend. Beomgyu's head gently landed against Taehyun's chest, and without hesitation, Taehyun wrapped his arms around Beomgyu's shoulders to steady him and prevent him from falling further.Feeling Beomgyu's warmth against him, Taehyun's heart raced with a mix of surprise and unexpected comfort. He could sense Beomgyu's soft breath against his shirt, and the sensation of holding him close was oddly addicting. In that fleeting moment, Taehyun found himself wishing time could freeze so he could prolong the embrace, cherishing the closeness and the quiet intimacy between them.However, reality crashed down on Taehyun when he heard the mattress stir in the room, indicating someone else was waking up. He quickly separated himself from Beomgyu and instead shook his shoulders."Haha, Beomgyu, sleeping again? Wake up," Taehyun joked, turning to see another boy rising from the mattress.It was Yeonjun. Taehyun couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort as he noticed the fact that Yeonjun's eyes immediately fixated on Beomgyu upon waking. It wasn't just the gaze itself but the intensity behind it that sent a chill down Taehyun's spine."H-Huh? Did I fall asleep sitting up?" Beomgyu asked, blinking awake as Taehyun shook him.Taehyun turned his attention back to Beomgyu and chuckled, "Yeah, you sure did."Yeonjun, meanwhile, looked visibly tired. He was unable to keep his eyes on Beomgyu for long before sinking back into his pillow and drifting off again.Taehyun, observing this, couldn't shake off the confusion. Was the intense stare he thought he saw just now only his imagination?However, he didn't have much time to ponder over this peculiar thought. Beomgyu had risen from the bed and made his way to the bathroom. After a while, he returned looking more energetic and ready to start the day.Beomgyu's gaze fixed upon Yeonjun's slumbering figure, a mischievous smile slowly spreading across his face, a clear sign that he was plotting some pranks.It wasn’t hard for Taehyun to guess what Beomgyu was thinking. After all, Yeonjun and Beomgyu were famously known as the 'real-life' Tom and Jerry, or whatever name the fans wanted to call it. This reputation came from the fact that there were always arguments or bickerings between them.Beomgyu was typically the one stirring up trouble, teasing Yeonjun with his antics. In response, Yeonjun would either tolerate it with a smirk, secretly planning his revenge, or he would immediately strike back, sometimes in a way that left everyone frightened. That's why the current situation was nothing more than a typical day for members.Taehyun watched as Beomgyu lay down on Yeonjun's chest, their bodies separated only by the thin barrier of a blanket. Initially taken aback by Beomgyu's casual approach, Taehyun quickly grasped the playful nature of his actions.Apparently, Yeonjun hated being cuddled or kissed by Beomgyu. It was clear when he always turned his head whenever Beomgyu attempted to kiss him for fun. However, on regular days when Beomgyu wasn't teasing him, Yeonjun didn't mind showing affection. They were friends and enemies at the same time, so such interactions were to be expected.Sensing a weight on his chest, Yeonjun winced in irritation and opened his eyes, expecting to find some large object the other members had placed on him as a prank.However, he was shocked to see Beomgyu, his ‘friend’, lying casually on top of him. Beomgyu had his head nestled against Yeonjun's neck, his arms resting on either side of Yeonjun's shoulders, and one leg wrapped securely around his knees. Needless to say, Yeonjun couldn't move. Beomgyu was like an annoying bear, giving him no space for comfort.Taehyun knew almost for certain that Yeonjun's first reaction would be to push Beomgyu off of him and slap some sense into the troublemaker. But that wasn't the case at all, Yeonjun just... didn't have any negative reaction, which was odd—super odd.As Taehyun observed Yeonjun more closely, he noticed that Yeonjun's eyes were still wide, but it wasn't due to pure shock anymore. It seemed more like he was in a daze, as if he was captivated by someone stunning and couldn't tear his eyes away.Taehyun recognized that feeling, he had experienced the same phenomenon before.Beomgyu, puzzled by the unexpected lack of reaction, raised his head with a furrowed brow, wondering why Yeonjun hadn't blown up by now.He immediately caught Yeonjun's widened eyes, they were staring at him. Their faces were inches apart, so close that a slight movement could result in their lips touching. Yeonjun pressed his lips together, trying to regain control as he felt his cheeks flush with warmth.Fortunately, Beomgyu retreated and sat up, giving Yeonjun some space to calm down. However, he soon faced another issue."It seems you're immune to the prank now, what a pity, haha..." Beomgyu chuckled, feeling a bit disappointed that he couldn't trigger much reaction from Yeonjun anymore. But then, he tilted his head curiously when he noticed Yeonjun covering part of his face with the blanket. "What's wrong?"Yeonjun wasn't happy with that question.What's… wrong?... How could you be so blind? he asked Beomgyu innerly."Get off." The first sentence that came out of Yeonjun's lips made Beomgyu flinch. It sounded so cold."Are you okay, Yeonjun?" he asked with concern."GET OFF!!!" Yeonjun repeated, this time with a louder and more urgent tone, prompting Beomgyu to obey immediately.The sudden yelling woke the other sleeping members. Soobin sat up, asking if there had been an earthquake, while Kai rolled off the mattress, blinking hard as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.When they turned their gazes toward the source of the outburst, Yeonjun had already kicked the blanket aside and hurried into the bathroom so fast that the other members couldn't fully grasp the situation.Taehyun, on the other hand, wasn't as surprised. He quickly understood the deeper meaning behind Yeonjun's sudden anger; and if his hunch was correct, Yeonjun would likely spend quite some time in that bathroom, trying to relieve some... tension...."So… Yeonjun, can you tell me now? Why did you yell at me?" Beomgyu's question hung in the air, unanswered, as the group traveled to the dance studio in the van.Just two hours earlier, there was a sudden knock on their door, followed by the concerned voice of a staff member who had clearly heard Yeonjun's raised voice."Is everything alright in there?" she asked. Despite being used to TXT members goofing around and annoying each others, the staff could still sense when things became genuinely tense.Not wanting to cause any trouble, Beomgyu quickly denied and reassured the staff member that they were just arguing a bit louder than usual.Accepting Beomgyu's explanation, she instructed everyone to pack their belongings and prepare for the next activity in an hour.Soobin and Kai, having just woken up, needed to complete their morning routines, including brushing their teeth and washing their faces. However, these tasks became impossible when Yeonjun hadn't come out after 20 minutes."Yeonjun! What's taking you so long?" Soobin urged, growing impatient as he knocked on the bathroom door."If you're doing skincare right now, you can finish up later. We're running out of time," Kai suggested, worried about the schedule.From a distance, Taehyun's gaze remained fixed on their direction, quietly confirming his earlier assumption. However, a lingering question weighed on his mind.
Was it purely coincidental that it happened just as Beomgyu sat up? Or did Yeonjun truly…
He cut off his train of thought abruptly, unwilling to explore further. There were numerous unanswered questions about the matter, but one thing was certain—Yeonjun was having a boner.The said boy came out from the bathroom shortly after, earning some grumbles from the duo for taking his time, yet he seemed unfazed by their complaints....Back to the present, the whole morning was awkward between Beomgyu and Yeonjun since Yeonjun didn't even bother talking to him. Even if they always bickered, Beomgyu had never experienced Yeonjun being this distant and cold towards him.The seating arrangement in the van had Yeonjun, Beomgyu, and Kai in the back row, while Soobin and Taehyun occupied the middle row. The driver and the manager sat in the first row, with an empty space behind them for staff to sit or stand as needed.Despite sitting close to each other, everyone could feel the invisible distance between Beomgyu and Yeonjun.The tension was palpable, unlike their usual playful banter and arguments. This time, the atmosphere was thick with an awkwardness that no one dared to address directly.Yeonjun sat with his right elbow resting on the window frame, his eyes fixed on the trees passing by through the tinted glass… Or maybe he was simply trying to look at anything that wasn't Beomgyu's face.He still chatted and laughed with the others, but whenever Beomgyu tried to join in, Yeonjun's demeanor shifted and he retreated into his own silent world.Recognizing that Yeonjun wouldn't engage no matter how hard he tried to start a conversation, Beomgyu decided not to get annoyed. Instead, he opted to be respectful and let Yeonjun have some time alone. It was clear to Beomgyu that forcing a dialogue would only make things worse, so he chose to give Yeonjun the space he needed, hoping that eventually, his friend would come around and things would return to normal.Even so, Beomgyu found himself compelled to try one last time to bridge the gap by leaning in close to Yeonjun's ear and whispering softly. By the time Yeonjun noticed the sudden closeness, Beomgyu's warm breath brushed against Yeonjun's earlobe, capturing his full attention."I'm really sorry if I did something wrong. Whenever you want to talk about it, please let me know.""....."There was no immediate response from Yeonjun, Beomgyu didn't expect one. Yet, to his surprise and relief, Yeonjun's head nodded ever so slightly—a subtle but positive gesture. This made Beomgyu smile warmly as he realized something.Aww... maybe he's just a bit shy, he thought, ignoring the fact that Yeonjun was actually older than him.On Yeonjun's side, he wasn't angry or mad at Beomgyu, not even close. However, the issue he faced wasn't something he could freely discuss, especially not with Beomgyu.Plus, he avoided looking at Beomgyu's face not out of hatred, but because he didn't want his mind to spiral out of control again, bringing back memories of the incident from early that morning. The images his mind conjured up were too... obscene.One glance at Beomgyu could accidentally trigger a flood of inappropriate thoughts.Yeonjun ran a hand through his hair, trying to push those images away before they could take root. Outwardly, he was the dashing idol that everyone loved. But on the inside, he was a mess, struggling to maintain his desire and keep his emotions in check.
What am I even thinking?...
...The van continued on the road for a short while when a problem suddenly appeared. There were some slight bumping sounds coming from outside the van, grabbing everyone's attention. Conversations halted as everyone tried to figure out what was happening.The driver, noticing the unusual noise, stepped on the brake to slow the van down and carefully moved it to the side of the road. Once safely stopped, he got out to investigate. The members exchanged puzzled glances.After a thorough check, it turned out that one of the tires had popped. The hole was small enough that the van had been able to travel a distance before anyone noticed, but it was now clear that they couldn't continue without addressing the issue. The realization brought a mix of frustration and concern as they understood this unexpected delay would disrupt their schedule.The driver was the most confused of all, staring at the popped tire while scratching his head. "Strange, I always do regular checks on the van to make sure everything works fine, so why now?" he muttered, not directing his question at anyone in particular.As the staff members waited patiently for the driver to rummage through his large bag and retrieve the necessary tools to fix the flat tire, a group of teenage girls walked by and immediately noticed the van, prompting them to pause and observe the scene. One of the girls, who had a tall figure, was curious about the situation and approached a staff member."Um... excuse me, sir," she asked politely, her gaze fixed on the van behind the staff member. "Is your group having trouble traveling?""Yes, we're having some issues with the tire," the man replied honestly, visibly concerned about their schedule. "Do you happen to know the closest place to buy a new tire?"Almost immediately, the girl's face lit up, as if she had been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to assist. "Of course! There's an auto shop about a mile down the road," she replied with enthusiasm, pointing in the direction they had come from. "They should have exactly what you need!"Her friends quickly gathered around, eager to contribute more information about the shop. One chimed in, "It's really easy to find. Just go straight down this road and you'll see it on the left side."Another added, "The people there are really friendly, and they open early, so you should be able to get the tire replaced quickly."Their overly enthusiastic responses made the staff member feel as if they were competing for credit, each one trying to outdo the other in providing helpful information. It struck him as a bit strange, but he was grateful for their willingness to assist."Thank you so much," he said, appreciating their collective effort. "We'll head there right away."The girls nodded, but then... they didn't leave. Their eyes carried an underlying expectation that everyone began to notice as they kept glancing back and forth between the staff and the van. The man was the first to break the silence, "Do you need anything else?"The girls shook their heads in unison, "No, it's nothing."Then why are you still here? the staff all wondered silently.It's not like they wanted the girls to leave immediately, not to that extreme, but the fact that they kept turning their eyes to the van as if expecting something was unsettling. The lingering presence and curious gazes made everyone feel a bit uneasy, as if there was an unspoken request hanging in the air.The short-haired girl stepped up to voice her thoughts. "Um, I'm sorry if I get it wrong, but... are those beautiful people in the van TXT members?"The other girls seemed surprised, or perhaps only appeared to be, and all turned to the staff with beaming eyes. Their excitement was palpable, and the staff exchanged knowing glances, realizing the source of the girls' enthusiasm. One of them decided to address it directly."Yes, they are," he confirmed with a smile. "But they're resting right now, and we need to get the tire fixed so we can stay on schedule."As if not wanting the chance to slip away, the blonde girl spoke up with her hands clasped together in a prayer pose. "U-Um, we're their biggest fans. Can we have a picture with them, please? Only one will do."The girls all nodded in agreement, their eyes wide with hope. The staff hesitated slightly, not wanting to decline the request, especially since the girls had been helpful. They exchanged quick glances, weighing the options.Inside the van, Kai's eyebrows furrowed as he stared outside. One thing was for certain: the glass was made so that people couldn't see from the outside. So how could those girls tell that there was someone inside, let alone a K-pop group?"How did they know we were in here?" Kai wondered aloud, his confusion evident. "The windows are tinted."Taehyun glanced over, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's weird. They shouldn’t be able to see us."Soobin chimed in, "Maybe they recognized the van itself. Fans are pretty observant about these things. They probably know what our transport looks like."Yeonjun, who had been quiet, spoke up. "Then why didn't they say so earlier? They acted like they just happened to pass by."Kai nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring Yeonjun's concern. "Yeah, and it's too much of a coincidence that the tire popped without the driver noticing."As they exchanged puzzled glances, a realization dawned on them—those girls had planned the entire scenario just to meet their idols.Beomgyu, always quick to find humor, tried to lighten the mood. "I guess we should take it as a compliment. They must really, really want that picture."The members turned to him with a mix of irritation and amusement evident on their faces. Soobin's sarcasm hung in the air as he addressed Beomgyu, "Your optimism is impressive at times, but this isn't one of those times."Kai nodded, his tone serious. "Indeed. While a picture isn't much, their willingness to go to such lengths was quite unacceptable."At that moment, the staff relented and allowed the girls to take a photo with their idols, opening the van door for the TXT members to exit. As they stepped out one by one, Kai pondered the lengths these fans had gone to for just one picture. He quickly realized that for such fervent fans, one photo would never be enough!Kai attempted to voice his concern to the others, realizing the potential consequences, but his warning came too late.As soon as they stepped out of the van, the girls shoved the staff aside and rushed forward to hug them tightly. The TXT members were taken aback by the sudden embrace, unsure of what was happening. From a distance, more people sprinted towards them, quickly gathering around and creating a chaotic crowd. It hit them that the girls had acted as decoys to draw them out, and now they were surrounded by a much larger group of eager fans.Even though they wanted to distance themselves from their fans, the constant presence of cameras and lenses made it impossible. Any attempt to push back would be seen as rude and disrespectful.As they tried to figure out what to do, Beomgyu suddenly yelled, "Guys! Scatter!" His friends turned to see him pushing through the crowd and sprinting away, followed by a small group of fans. Understanding his plan, the other members quickly chose different directions to escape.It worked; the fans dispersed in pursuit of each member, leaving the staff standing alone amidst the commotion....Kai was smart. Before hopping off the van, he had tucked a hat and face mask in his pocket. Now, as he walked through the bustling crowd with them on, he was practically invisible. The swarming fans who had been hot on his heels eventually lost sight of him.Feeling safe and secure for the moment, Kai took out his phone to call the other members. But then he stopped when he saw Beomgyu surrounded by a crowd in the distance.Kai's instincts kicked in. He dodged through the swarming crowd, his hand reaching for Beomgyu's wrist. With a swift pull, he dragged him along as they raced through the streets. Recognizing his maknae, Beomgyu matched his steps to Kai's.By that time, they were both getting tired and couldn't keep running for much longer. They needed to hide. The only problem was, there was nowhere to hide except in the crowd itself. Kai could easily try to blend back in, but a different thought crept into his mind. It shocked him to even consider it, yet it held a strange allure.Kai broke away from the crowd, pulling Beomgyu into an empty alley. He swiftly took off his jacket and draped it over Beomgyu's head, concealing his face. Without hesitation, he pushed Beomgyu against the hard wall of the building, then placed his hands on either side of Beomgyu's face, effectively trapping him. The close proximity took Beomgyu by surprise, and the tension between them was clear as they stood just inches apart.Beomgyu couldn't help but notice how Kai's leg was positioned between his thighs as his maknae pressed against him. He wasn't sure if it was accidental or intentional."What are you doing?" he blurted out, confusion evident in his voice."Stay still..." Kai murmured softly, inching his face closer to Beomgyu's.Flustered, Beomgyu instinctively turned his head to avoid whatever was coming, causing Kai's lips to land on his cheek instead.The miss was expected, Kai never thought he could actually kiss Beomgyu. The purpose of this idea was to avoid being chased by pretending to be a loving couple. It was supposed to be a fictional trope on TV; surprisingly, it worked in real life as well.Kai loosened his grip and stepped back from Beomgyu, who still had a faint blush on his face. The way Beomgyu's eyes widened in confusion, the slight flush creeping up his cheeks, and the way he nervously glanced away made Kai's heart skip a beat.Cute... he thought, admiring the flustered teddy bear in front of him.After that, Kai proceeded to explain his idea to Beomgyu, who let out an 'Oh' and scratched his head, realizing how he had misunderstood his maknae."I see," Beomgyu said, his embarrassment fading as he processed the explanation. "I thought you were—""Yeah," Kai interrupted with a playful grin, "But it worked, didn't it?"Beomgyu laughed, the tension between them dissolving. "Yes, but next time, give me a warning before you try something like that.""Sure," he replied, still amused by Beomgyu's reaction.They contacted the other members and soon regrouped at another destination, where the staff had arranged for a taxi to take TXT to the dance studio while they waited for the tire to be fixed.As they sat in the dance room eating breakfast and waiting for the staff to return, boredom began to set in. The unexpected delay had thrown off their well-planned schedule."Is there anything else we can do besides waiting?" Taehyun asked, sprawled lazily on the floor."Maybe practice some dance choreography?" Beomgyu suggested.Taehyun let out an exaggerated sigh. "Don't wanna."Given their daily practice routine, the thought of rehearsing without the usual structure and purpose seemed unappealing.Sensing an opportunity to spice things up, Soobin interjected, clasping his hands together to grab his friends' attention. "How about this? I could teach you guys a random part from 'The Killa'. I'm pretty sure only Yeonjun and I know the choreography."The idea piqued their interest, breaking the monotony of waiting and offering a chance to learn something new."Soobin, who would you like to teach?" Yeonjun asked casually, his tone implying that he would take charge of the other two members once Soobin had made his choice.Without a moment's hesitation, Soobin extended his finger towards Beomgyu, who was taken aback by being selected first. This decision caused Yeonjun's bright eyes to dim slightly—he wasn't pleased with the choice.But it's not like he could voice his disagreement when he had already allowed Soobin to choose anyone he wanted. Plus, he wouldn't have a valid reason to stop Soobin from choosing Beomgyu."I'll go get a drink, be right back," he said, turning to leave. If he couldn't prevent it from happening, then he'd rather not see it.The door shut with a thud, leaving the members confused."Is he okay? Did I do something wrong?" Soobin asked, sounding concerned.Beomgyu reassured him with a comforting hand on his shoulder, clearly accustomed to Yeonjun's cold attitude. "Eh... don't mind him, he probably just needed some fresh air."Taehyun lowered his gaze, his expression grew solemn as if thinking about Yeonjun's sudden change in demeanor. He stood up abruptly."I'll go check on him. You guys go ahead and practice," he said, waving goodbye and leaving the room.The silence after the door shut was so thick that when a third voice spoke up, Soobin and Beomgyu were startled, having almost forgotten that Kai was also there....Right after Taehyun left the room, he found Yeonjun leaning against the wall near the door, arms crossed. It appeared they were alone in the hallway.Seeing his friend, Taehyun snickered, "Getting a drink, huh? Looks like someone is lying."Yeonjun picked up on the sarcasm and shot back, "Same to you. Checking on me or spying on me?"Taehyun sighed, stepping closer. "Neither. I just wanted to see if you're alright."Yeonjun's expression softened slightly. "I'm fine. Just… needed some space.""I feel like that's not what you truly want," Taehyun said, his voice steady and serious, catching Yeonjun's attention."What do you mean?" he furrowed his brows, not liking the innuendo his friend was giving him."Yeonjun, let's be honest. Does it have anything to do with... Beomgyu?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Yeonjun, let's be honest. Does it have anything to do with... Beomgyu?" Taehyun's words hung in the air, heavy with implication.Truthfully, he had no concrete evidence of Yeonjun's hidden feelings, it was just speculation. He used the vague question to bait Yeonjun, hoping to trigger a reaction that might confirm his suspicions. Taehyun expected his friend to become anxious, or at least, flinch. Yet, Yeonjun remained oddly… calm.This calmness wasn't just a result of his status as the oldest member but seemed driven by a desire to hide the truth at all costs, even if it meant deceiving his bandmate. The thought made Taehyun shiver.Yeonjun wouldn't go that far, would he? He wanted to believe otherwise as he stared at Yeonjun's indifferent expression.His friend suddenly chuckled, causing Taehyun to furrow his eyebrows in confusion. "Ahh... so that's why you look so tense. I thought it was something more serious," Yeonjun said, his tone almost dismissive.Taehyun's confusion deepened. The older boy's response left Taehyun in a state of uncertainty, making him wonder if he had misread the matter entirely or if Yeonjun was simply a master at masking his true feelings.Taehyun lowered his gaze, unsure if he should continue the conversation. It would seem awkward no matter how he interpreted it. He gathered all his courage to say his thoughts out loud, "I didn't want to believe my assumption, but... you've developed some kind of feeling for him, haven't you?"That question was met with a casual snort from Yeonjun."Me? Having feelings for Beomgyu?" Yeonjun snickered, almost laughing at the possibility. "Look, I don't know if you mistook our regular bickering for romantic implications or if you're truly blind, but how did you even come to that conclusion?"With those words, Yeonjun effortlessly turned the tables, casting doubt on Taehyun's motives and making him the suspicious one. Yeonjun’s expression showed a visibly discontented frown, an indication that he wasn’t guilty in the first place—or so it seemed.Taehyun felt his confidence waver. Had he misunderstood his friend completely? He couldn't possibly tell Yeonjun that his suspicions were based on seeing him stay in the bathroom for too long that morning. That would more or less imply that he accused Yeonjun of masturbating with Beomgyu in his mind.Flustered, Taehyun struggled to find his footing in the conversation. "I... I just noticed how tense you were around him, that's all," he stammered, trying to sound casual.Yeonjun's frown deepened. "So you thought accusing me of having feelings for Beomgyu was the logical explanation?" His tone was incredulous, almost mocking.Taehyun felt heat rise to his cheeks. "It wasn't an accusation! It was just... concern." the more he denied, the more uncertain it sounded.Yeonjun sighed, shaking his head. "Beomgyu and I are friends. That's it. Whatever you think you saw, it wasn't what you imagined."Taehyun couldn't retort. As idols, there was already no reason for any of them to develop romantic feelings for anyone, it would only provoke fans and damage their reputations. Yet, while chances were low, it was still possible for members to feel attracted to each other, considering how close they were and how casually they could touch each other without being judged—not that Taehyun had ever seen that case in real life.Biting his lip, Taehyun looked at Yeonjun with eyes filled with guilt. "Sorry... I shouldn't have asked you that. It was quite rude of me."Yeonjun's demeanor immediately relaxed. "It's fine, I'm glad you understand."If there had been a third person in the hallway, they would have noticed that the warm smile Yeonjun gave Taehyun was actually a smirk, an indication of an underlying satisfaction that his lies had successfully swayed his friend. If they knew the truth, they would be frightened by that side of Yeonjun....When Taehyun and Yeonjun returned to the room, they were greeted by a scene that made them both uncomfortable.Soobin was busy instructing Beomgyu on a segment of the choreography for 'The Killa', which wasn’t surprising in itself. What was unsettling, however, was the way Soobin constantly placed his hands on Beomgyu to correct his movements or adjust his stance. Their bodies frequently brushed against each other, creating an atmosphere charged with an intimate proximity that was hard to ignore.To anyone observing, the closeness between Soobin and Beomgyu was impossible to miss. The frequent physical contact and the way they moved together had an air of intimacy that seemed to overshadow the dance practice itself. It was clear to everyone except, perhaps, Beomgyu, who appeared completely absorbed in learning the dance.Kai, who had been present in the room from the beginning, was clearly displeased by the scene unfolding before him. His irritation was evident in his sour expression and the biting comments he made about Soobin’s teaching methods. Although he criticized Soobin’s instruction, it was clear that his real issue was with the way Soobin and Beomgyu seemed so close. Kai’s frustration was palpable, and Yeonjun caught on to the underlying tension.Seems like I'm not the only one feeling jealous, Yeonjun thought, finding a twisted amusement in how Beomgyu seemed to be capturing everyone's attention without even realizing it.When Beomgyu saw his friends returning, his previously focused expression brightened into an eager smile. He quickly separated himself from Soobin and bounded over to Yeonjun and Taehyun. The change in his demeanor was almost puppy-like, filled with enthusiasm and energy."Taehyun, I’ve nailed the choreography! Soobin made it super easy to learn. I’m ready to show you guys right away," Beomgyu declared, his fists clenched in excitement. Despite having learned only a part of the song, he was clearly thrilled to demonstrate what he’d picked up.Yeonjun was taken aback to see how Beomgyu’s first instinct was to focus solely on Taehyun, without so much as a glance in his direction. Yeonjun felt a pang of disappointment before a realization struck him. He had forgotten that Beomgyu might still harbor the belief that Yeonjun wasn’t interested in engaging with him, which would explain the apparent double standard.The four members all sat down in a row, eyes focused on the confident boy standing in front of them. As Beomgyu inhaled and exhaled to get ready, Yeonjun started wondering which part Soobin chose to teach him. 'The Killa' was a sexy song overall, so any choreography part would be more or less sensual. Still, Yeonjun couldn't help but be curious.His inner question was soon answered when Beomgyu began with the most iconic swaying pose, humming the lyrics as he moved. It was the part where Yeonjun and Soobin made all Moas faint and scream at the top of their lungs when they shook their hips along with the rhythms.They had always been the ones doing it, so Yeonjun and Soobin were particularly curious about what it would feel like to see someone else performing this part of the choreography, especially when that person was Beomgyu.The result left every member wide-eyed in shock. In a matter of seconds, Beomgyu's demeanor changed, along with the atmosphere around him. His moves were sharp, filled with intense energy and flexibility. The way he moved his arms, legs, body, and hips was smooth and conveyed the sensual feel of the song effortlessly. It was as if Beomgyu had become a different person as he performed that part of 'The Killa' with ease.Soobin, who had guided Beomgyu from the start, couldn’t hide his amazement. Beomgyu had been quite clumsy during practice, yet the result felt like he had done it a hundred times already. His transformation from the practice session to this performance was astounding.Despite the impressive demonstration, one thing they mostly focused on at that moment was... Beomgyu's hips. The part where he swayed his hips in a circular motion made everyone gulp at least once. The intensity and allure of his movements were impossible to ignore, leaving each member with thoughts that were far from pure.Especially when Beomgyu's gaze held a secret invitation that made everyone struggle to resist coming closer to him. If he was trying to do the song justice, he had already succeeded.Every time Beomgyu finished his demonstration, the members would ask him to do it again, pretending it was to better assess his dancing quality. In reality, it was just so they could watch him sway his hips over and over.They only tore their hungry eyes away when Beomgyu began to complain about how many more times they were going to make him repeat the demonstration before reaching a conclusion. Soobin, his teacher, was the first to stand up, letting out a cough and giving his opinions. The feedback was general and vague, clearly made up on the spot rather than based on any real observation.The other members knew what was going through Soobin's mind, but they remained silent because they were all guilty of the same thing: focusing solely on Beomgyu's hip movements.On Taehyun's side, he couldn't deny the growing feelings inside him anymore. He definitely had a crush on Beomgyu, and he was certain he wasn't the only one harboring feelings for his bandmate. He glanced at Yeonjun, whom he had just subtly interrogated not long before, and was met with the other boy's mischievous grin. Taehyun couldn't hide his dumbfounded face.Yeonjun's reaction confirmed that Taehyun had been fooled; the boy had seen right through his probing questions and managed to stay a step ahead. This realization filled Taehyun with a mix of irritation and grudging admiration.But before he could voice his frustration, Yeonjun had already put a finger to his own lips, giving Taehyun a meaningful side-eye. The gesture carried a clear message: they were all in the same boat now. Exposing anyone's feelings would only bring harm to the group; therefore, it was better to keep quiet."It's good, Beomgyu. Your movements are sharp and you really captured the essence of the song," Soobin said, though his feedback was vague and lacked detail.Kai nodded, but his eyes betrayed the same distracted focus that Taehyun had noticed in himself and Yeonjun, "Yeah, you nailed it."Beomgyu beamed at the praise, unaware of the underlying tension and the true focus of his bandmates' attention. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad you liked it."Based on the order, it was Yeonjun's turn to teach Taehyun and Kai. However, the sound of the door handle turning abruptly ended their practice session. The staff had returned, their sour moods and weary expressions spoke volumes about the frustration caused by the delayed schedule.Surprisingly, it turned out that the staff's moods weren't deteriorating because of the schedule.The manager suddenly called both Yeonjun and Beomgyu over, much to their confusion. He lifted his phone to reveal a news website featuring an article about TXT, which immediately drew their attention.The two of them leaned in to read the article, and their eyes widened in shock, particularly Beomgyu. Yeonjun remained slightly less surprised but still visibly taken aback. Overnight, they had become the most searched duo on the internet, thanks to a viral video from their World Tour Concert.The video captured a moment where Beomgyu leaned on Yeonjun, and the camera angle made it look as though Beomgyu was kissing Yeonjun's neck, but that wasn't the troublesome part.The comments on the video and article split into three types of opinions. The majority of people understood that Beomgyu was exhausted and expressed their concern for his well-being, showering him with supportive and worried messages.Another group criticized the company and staff for allowing such an incident to happen, with some even blaming Beomgyu for dragging Yeonjun into the mess. They felt that better management and oversight could have prevented the situation, and their comments were filled with frustration and disappointment.The smallest group, however, was a mix of worry and excitement. They were concerned for Beomgyu's health, but they were also thrilled by what they perceived as a romantic moment between their favorite pairing. Fans in this group went as far as analyzing every small detail in the video, from the placement of Yeonjun's hand on Beomgyu's waist to the seemingly caring look Yeonjun gave him. They speculated and gushed over the possibility of a deeper relationship between the two, turning the moment into a hot topic of discussion and fan theories.As Yeonjun and Beomgyu processed the information, the reality of their situation began to sink in. They realized that they were now at the center of public attention and scrutiny. The members who stayed behind noticed the tense expressions on their faces and began to feel a mixture of curiosity and concern."We need to address this carefully," the manager said, breaking the silence. "This kind of publicity can be tricky to navigate. We have to consider how we respond."Yeonjun only nodded. Beomgyu, on the other hand, felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. The pressure of public opinion and the unintended consequences of a simple moment between friends weighed heavily on him.As they rejoined the other members, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The casual practice session had turned into a serious discussion about their public image and the implications of their actions. The members gathered around, listening intently as Yeonjun and Beomgyu explained the situation.Words couldn't describe how much they wanted to help the duo, which made Beomgyu feel the warmth of their magical friendship."Hmm... Let's do it like this," the manager said after a moment of contemplation, grabbing their attention.The members all expected him to provide a good solution to the problem, or at least suggest something that would help. But his words made them flinch, with Yeonjun being the most affected."Yeonjun and Beomgyu will have to decrease their interaction to a minimum level for the time being." The manager's suggestion felt like an invisible slap to Yeonjun's face, leaving him momentarily in a state of shock.
What did he just say?
As if sensing the need to explain further, the manager calmly elaborated on his reasoning. "Both of you have gained too much attention, which could lead to an imbalance in the favoritism among the members. That's why you two should reduce your interaction while we try to manage the publicity."The other members seemed to understand, albeit reluctantly. Beomgyu, while not happy about having to limit his interactions with Yeonjun, agreed for the overall benefit of the group.Only Yeonjun remained silently still. He widened his eyes, his lips parted, yet no sound came out. It was as if he was having trouble processing the new information. The idea of distancing himself from Beomgyu felt... wrong. They had always been close.Beomgyu noticed Yeonjun's reaction and reassured him. "It's okay, Yeonjun. We'll get through this."Yeonjun bit his lip silently, not giving the boy any answer other than a nod. Beomgyu took it as a sign that Yeonjun was still bitter about the incident that morning, so he wasn't surprised by the lack of response.But Yeonjun's true thoughts weren't that simple. He actually detested how he had to reduce his interactions while the other members got to keep their close proximity with Beomgyu. He hated that idea so much!There would be times when the two had separate schedules, and Yeonjun wouldn't be able to tell what Beomgyu was doing or who he was with. What if someone made a move on him while Yeonjun wasn't there? There'd be no way for him to know!His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Taehyun standing there, his gaze piercing and judgmental. It seemed Taehyun had a good idea of what was going through Yeonjun's mind. Leaning in closer, he whispered softly."Hyung, if you think you can keep Beomgyu to yourself while there are other competitors, then..." The words hung in the air, thick with implication. Even though Yeonjun couldn’t see Taehyun’s face due to the angle, he could sense the mischievous smirk playing on his lips. Taehyun let out a soft chuckle. "Don’t you think you’re being too confident?”The way Taehyun used the formal honorific instead of just his name was clearly a jab. It was the equivalent of saying "Don't think I will let you have him. Beomgyu doesn’t belong to you alone." It was an intimidating warning. Yeonjun had to admit, Taehyun had definitely made him feel a little anxious just now.Yeonjun pulled Taehyun a bit further from the other members and staff to have a private conversation. In Taehyun's mind, he expected Yeonjun to either declare that he wouldn’t give up on getting close to Beomgyu, which seemed the more likely scenario, or perhaps express regret for letting his feelings disrupt their friendship, which was so dumb that Taehyun dismissed it altogether.However, the smirk that spread across Yeonjun’s face shattered all of Taehyun's expectations. "What do you think about... sharing him?"The question made Taehyun furrow his brows in utter confusion. "What?" He couldn’t believe Yeonjun could even consider such an idea. But instead of feeling uncomfortable at the suggestion, Taehyun felt an odd sense of intrigue."Sharing him?" Taehyun echoed, trying to wrap his head around the concept. "You can’t be serious."Yeonjun’s smirk widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I’m dead serious. We both know how we feel about Beomgyu, fighting over him could tear us apart and mess up the group dynamics. But if we... share him, everyone can be happy. It's no different from our usual interaction, just more… intimate."Taehyun was taken aback by the audacity of Yeonjun’s proposal. It was insane, yet there was a twisted logic to it. He glanced over at Beomgyu, who was talking with Soobin and Kai, completely oblivious to the intense discussion happening just a few feet away."This is crazy," Taehyun muttered, more to himself than to Yeonjun.Seeing his friend's visible hesitation, Yeonjun teased him, "You know, you can just do nothing and let me have my way if you still care about your friendship with him."Taehyun protested immediately, yelling, "No way!" His outburst drew unwanted glances from the people nearby.Yeonjun chuckled at Taehyun's reaction. "I take it you’ve agreed to share Beomgyu now, yes?""Well, yeah..." Taehyun begrudgingly admitted. "But still, what about Soobin and Kai? They also..." he trailed off, the innuendo was clear."I know, we’re all whipped for Beomgyu. That's why I want to talk to them as well." Yeonjun put his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "Kai would likely be down for the idea, everyone knows he likes Beomgyu a lot already. But Soobin... well, it would be hard to convince him."Taehyun nodded, understanding the complexities.Their interaction was cut short by an announcement from the manager, instructing everyone to return to their already-late schedule and practice dancing.All the members went along with him. Taehyun secretly nudged Yeonjun and whispered with a playful tone, "So... does this mean you actually did it while thinking about Beomgyu?"Yeonjun let out a snort, mentally admiring how much Taehyun still hung up on that matter.
He wouldn't let this slide, huh.
Instead of confirming, Yeonjun only returned Taehyun's playful manner with a smirk, and the answer was delivered. Taehyun didn't even comment on it, thinking it was a normal reaction for a person.They didn't realize how messed up they had become. Considering masturbating with a friend in mind as a 'normal reaction' was truly disastrous; they must have had some screws loose. Perhaps they needed a reality check, a little dose of sanity....As their practice session ended and it was time for a break, Soobin asked Beomgyu to come with him to an empty room for a brief discussion. Seeing how serious Soobin was, Beomgyu followed with a puzzled look.In the room, Soobin made sure to shut and lock the door in case someone came in without knocking. Unable to handle the tension, Beomgyu asked first, "What do you want to talk about?"Soobin hesitated before finally speaking. "Did you notice how strange Yeonjun and Taehyun acted earlier?" He paused, waiting for Beomgyu to process."Um, no? Like what?" Beomgyu replied, raising an eyebrow to show his confusion."They kept looking at you during the practice session. And when they interacted with you, they were oddly touchy." Soobin wanted to voice his concerns out loud, but he knew Beomgyu wouldn’t believe him without more evidence.Beomgyu let out a sigh, seemingly unbothered by Soobin's tense demeanor. "Actually, being a bit touchy with friends isn't new. I do that all the time to annoy you guys," he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.Soobin, however, wasn’t convinced. "Beomgyu, this isn't just a bit, They clearly crossed a boundary. It's weird," he protested.Should I just tell him about my suspicion? he wondered.It was a matter that Soobin could only discuss with Beomgyu. Not even Kai, his best friend, could be trusted. Soobin knew that Kai had a crush on Beomgyu, but he wasn't sure if there was any unhealthy obsession lingering in his friend's heart.Suddenly, a clear knock echoed from outside, grabbing their attention. Soobin felt a sense of foreboding wash over him.A slow, firm voice carried through the door. "Soobin, it's not nice to talk behind our backs." It was Yeonjun.Soobin couldn't help but gulp, a shiver running down his spine at Yeonjun's calm yet menacing tone. He said 'our,' which meant someone else was with him—possibly Taehyun.The atmosphere in the room grew even tenser, their secret conversation hadn't gone unnoticed.Beomgyu was about to reply to Yeonjun when Soobin put a hand over his mouth, signaling him to stay silent. Despite his confusion, Beomgyu nodded.Turning to the door, Soobin spoke up with sarcasm, "Well... you shouldn't eavesdrop on someone else in the first place. It's rude.""Why don't both of you come out here then? Let's have a talk," Taehyun chimed in this time, his voice deceptively friendly.Soobin felt an overwhelming urge to embrace Beomgyu and keep him close, as if wanting to shield him from invisible hands. It was like being in a horror movie.The knocks came again, more forceful this time. "Come on, Soobin. Keeping secrets from friends is a crime. We promise we will lend an ear," Yeonjun reassured, though his tone suggested he wouldn't take no for an answer.Soobin felt his heart race as adrenaline coursed through his body. He trusted no one except Beomgyu, who remained unaware of the dangerous situation they were in.He suddenly heard rattling sounds from outside. In a matter of seconds, the handle twisted with ease, and the door creaked open, much to his surprise. If they had the key, they could have opened the door from the beginning. Unless…Soobin's eyes widened in shock when he saw the people behind the door. He was wrong; it wasn't just Yeonjun and Taehyun listening to their conversation—Kai was there too!He wasn't sure what the duo had done to bring Kai over to their side, but one thing was certain: he couldn’t let Beomgyu out of his sight. He had a strong feeling that something bad was going to happen, and he needed to protect Beomgyu at all costs!"That's enough, Soobin. Don't just keep Beomgyu to yourself. Sharing is caring," Kai said.Soobin couldn't believe what Kai had just uttered. His best friend was just as corrupt as the other two. They were all the same. The betrayal cut deep, and Soobin tightened his grip on Beomgyu, who still looked confused and worried.But then, Beomgyu broke free from Soobin's embrace and stood with his back to him, looking annoyed. "For god's sake! Will you guys cut it out?! We're in a tough situation already! If you have something in mind, just talk! Don't act so mysterious!"His outburst left everyone wide-eyed. Though only Soobin was shocked, the other members were actually amused by Beomgyu's reaction, grinning."Truthfully... there is one thing we're bothered about," Yeonjun said slowly, causing Beomgyu to shift uncomfortably."What is it?" he asked, trying to suppress his anxiety."Why do you think the group ended up in this situation in the first place?" By now, it was clear what Yeonjun was aiming at.Beomgyu's face went pale, his earlier frustration swiftly replaced by worry. The other members immediately understood Yeonjun’s strategy: to make Beomgyu feel guilty."Well?" Yeonjun pressed further."I... I'm... sorry," Beomgyu mumbled, bowing his head and staring at his shoes.Sensing Beomgyu's discomfort, Soobin quickly stepped in. "Hey, don't blame it on him. It’s not his fault things ended up like this.""Don’t stand up for him," Yeonjun replied, turning his gaze to Soobin. "He needs to understand the consequences of his actions. If we overlook his mistakes and only offer support, he won’t learn or grow."Yeonjun then focused on Beomgyu. "Isn't that right?" he asked, as if expecting Beomgyu to confirm his statement.Soobin was ready to confront Yeonjun, but Beomgyu stopped him. "It's fine, Soobin. He's right, I should feel ashamed for getting everyone involved in this mess.""And? What can you do?" Taehyun asked, though it didn't sound like a question.Beomgyu raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean? I can't solve this problem.""You can," Kai spoke up, causing Beomgyu to look even more confused.Soobin, realizing Kai's intention, widened his eyes in shock. "Kai, you don't mean—"But Yeonjun was a step ahead. "We just need to make fans' speculation a reality. In other words: getting more intimate in front of them."Beomgyu was stunned by the bold statement, feeling as if he had been told something impossible. "But the manager said—" he began, trying to remind Yeonjun of the strict rules they had to follow.Yeonjun cut him off sharply. "We can make all the interactions look like accidents. It's not like our fans aren't already keen observers. They will love it regardless," he explained with a dismissive shrug.Beomgyu could feel his anxiety growing by the second. Yeonjun’s suggestion felt wrong on so many levels. The idea of staging intimate moments to manipulate their fans seemed deceitful and risky. Yet, the fact that Taehyun and Kai didn't oppose the plan made Beomgyu doubt his own perspective.He looked at his friends, trying to understand how they could all be on board with such a questionable strategy. How did things become like this? he wondered, desperately wanting an answer.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
At that moment, the group was grappling with a serious problem, though perhaps it was only Beomgyu who truly felt the weight of it. He was forced to make a choice after hearing Yeonjun's bold statement. Not that he really had a choice to begin with—the answer seemed clear and inevitable.The peer pressure was immense, pushing Beomgyu to make a decision that he would come to regret: Accepting the plan. At that moment, Beomgyu was walking right into a trap set by his very own friends.Beomgyu admitted to himself that he wasn't the smartest, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t aware of how unusual the whole ordeal was. It all felt off, like pieces of a puzzle that didn’t quite fit together. This made him recall Soobin's warnings, which he had previously dismissed. Now, he was starting to believe that there might be some truth to them.The break hour soon ended, and they were instructed to return to their daily working routine. The group had another concert to hold, which would begin at 6 in the evening, so they had to work against the clock to make up for lost time.Furthermore, before the main event, they would have to navigate through a crowd of fans on their way to the venue. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue. However, after Beomgyu’s incident, there was an underlying tension. The group weren’t sure if those fans would become another obstacle they needed to face.In stark contrast to Beomgyu's palpable anxiety, Yeonjun was secretly pleased with the public's perception. He used to despise how people always shipped idols regardless of their true relationships with each other. However, now that he had developed an intense fixation on Beomgyu, fans' speculation had become a useful tool for him.Throughout the training, the manager’s eyebrows constantly crinkled together, a clear sign of his growing annoyance."Kai, you're standing too close to Beomgyu. Look at the other members and adjust your position better," he reminded him, his voice tinged with impatience.Even though monitoring the group’s practice was primarily the choreographer’s responsibility, the continuous mistakes the members were making tested the manager’s patience, forcing him to intervene.It struck him, and probably the staff as well, that aside from Beomgyu and Soobin, the other members seemed to make occasional small mistakes in their positions, stances, movements, and the like.What was even more peculiar, however, was the fact that these mistakes always involved the members moving close to Beomgyu, either bumping into him or touching him. The repetitive nature of these actions drew everyone's attention. It was evident that the boys’ skills weren’t deteriorating, they were doing it on purpose! But the reason for such unnecessary intentionality remained unknown.Among the group, Yeonjun was the biggest source of the manager’s frustration. He had instructed Yeonjun to minimize his interactions with Beomgyu, but seeing how he deliberately got close to his friend only deepened the manager’s irritation.Even if he wanted to lecture them, he had to tread carefully. They were the stars, the visual centerpieces of the company. Causing them any undue stress could negatively impact the company's overall image.Finally, he had no choice but to remind them to maintain a good distance from each other when they were outside. His gaze was mainly fixed on Yeonjun as he said this.All the members nodded in agreement, but the manager still had a nagging feeling that some of them wouldn’t listen. To him, Beomgyu was currently the good kid in the group, with Soobin close by in his reliability. He just hoped his hunch was incorrect and nothing would go wrong....Or so he thought.The moment they arrived at the luxury hotel near the venue, a crowd had already gathered outside, visibly eager to meet their idols. Their enthusiasm intensified as soon as the van came to a stop.Bodyguards and staff quickly moved to keep the fans in line, ensuring that they didn't block the path to the entrance. The security team formed a protective barrier around the area, maintaining order despite the growing anticipation.Inside the van, the members could feel the overwhelming energy of their Moas. The sheer number of fans and the volume of their cheers were both exhilarating and daunting. It was a reminder of the powerful support they had, which made the boys let out a collective sigh of relief. Despite the challenges and pressures they faced, knowing their fans were still there for them brought a sense of comfort.The manager gave them a brief nod, signaling it was time to move. Stepping into the sea of adoration, they were met with a barrage of camera flashes and outstretched hands. As usual, Yeonjun and Soobin garnered the most attention, their immense number of fans screaming the loudest at their presence.Although the group needed to get inside the hotel, they thought it wouldn't hurt to interact with their beloved Moas and let them take some pictures for a bit. After all, these fans had come all this way to see their idols. The members scattered and began engaging with the fans, who responded with even more enthusiasm.During that moment, Beomgyu noticed a small girl in the crowd who seemed to be struggling due to her short stature. She was trying to lift her phone as high as possible to get a good picture of him. Beomgyu realized she was aiming her camera at him, as she moved whenever he moved.Wanting to help the poor girl, he reached out to her and invited her out of the crowd to take a picture with him. Her face flushed with excitement and disbelief, as if she had been granted a special privilege. The other fans made sounds of disappointment mixed with jealousy, but they also seemed happy for the girl's lucky moment.When she stood next to him, Beomgyu crouched down slightly so she could take a perfect selfie with him. He flashed a bright, reassuring smile, and the girl’s hands trembled with excitement as she snapped the photo.She then abruptly turned her head to him. "U-Um, can I hug you? I know i-it's a bit much to ask." She felt as if she wasn't worthy enough to receive a hug from her idol.But Beomgyu was very comfortable. "Sure," he said, opening his arms without hesitation. "Come here."The girl couldn't contain her excitement anymore and jumped into her bias's embrace, making other fangirls stare with shocked faces. It would be a blatant lie if they said they weren't envious.Beomgyu was the first to pull away, much to the girl's disappointment."T-Thank you so much," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper."You're welcome," Beomgyu replied warmly. "Thanks for coming to see us."He waved at the girl, but instead of going back to join the crowd, she grabbed his hand to stop him, making him turn his head with slight bewilderment."C-Can I kiss your cheek, please? O-Only this time." Her requests became bolder each time, and the fangirls caught on to it."Hey! Who do you think you are? Don't ask too much of him!" One of the girls said out loud.The commotion quickly attracted the attention of the other members, who glanced over with concern. The once enthusiastic cheers from the Moas began to fade into a tense silence as they turned towards Beomgyu.Beomgyu felt the need to address the situation delicately. He gently withdrew his hand from the girl’s grasp, wanting to say "I appreciate your excitement, but let’s try to keep things fair for everyone here," in an attempt to extinguish the growing tension among his fans.However, before he could voice his thoughts, Taehyun suddenly wrapped an arm around Beomgyu's shoulders, pulling him back slightly. Taehyun's smile was bright, but it carried a dark glint that made the girl flinch with unease."We understand your eagerness, but... unfortunately, he already belongs to us," he said with a sarcastic tone.The impact of Taehyun's words was immediate and jarring. Beomgyu’s expression mirrored the shock and disbelief of the fans. The statement, coming from one of the members, could easily be misinterpreted by their large and dedicated fandom.From a distance, the manager was visibly distressed. He was gripping his own hair with both hands, fingers digging into his scalp so forcefully that it seemed a bit more pressure might pull out half of his hair. This was not how he expected the group to respond in front of hundreds of people, and he seriously wondered why they kept getting close to Beomgyu despite previous warnings.Taehyun might have said it as a joke, but they were clearly old enough to understand the importance of their image. Random comments like this could trigger unwanted trouble!To make matters even more chaotic, Kai calmly grabbed Beomgyu's jaw and pulled his face closer. Without warning, Kai placed a quick kiss on Beomgyu's cheek. That little peck was the last straw that broke the intense silence, causing the majority of fans to scream loudly, mainly out of shock and excitement.This action more or less confirmed that Taehyun wasn’t joking, which made fans speculate if Beomgyu had somehow gained a ‘harem’ within the group. The boys seemed very protective of him, and this only fueled their imaginations further.These suspicions were even more justified when Soobin immediately stepped in, pushing Kai and Taehyun away from Beomgyu. He kept the younger boy close to him like a bodyguard.The manager could feel his soul leaving his body at that moment. It was surprising that Yeonjun didn’t contribute to the chaos this time, merely standing there and staring. However, the trouble came from the other members, with Beomgyu—or more likely, Taehyun—initiating it.The group hastily moved inside the hotel after being urged by the staff, leaving behind a crowd buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Each fan was eager to dissect the unexpected display they had just witnessed. Being close wasn’t something new for TXT, but the romantic tension they exuded this time made fans squeal with exhilaration....Seeing how pissed the manager looked, the staff expected him to call all the members together for a stern lecture. Instead, he only summoned Taehyun and Yeonjun—ironically, the latter hadn't even contributed to the earlier chaos. From the manager's expression, it was clear they were having a serious conversation, but the duo remained strangely composed.Meanwhile, Beomgyu was displeased with Kai's actions a few minutes ago. The level of intimacy Kai displayed, especially in front of so many people, was unnecessary. He wanted to discuss it with Kai privately but knew that having Soobin around might prevent Kai from answering honestly. Beomgyu asked Kai if they could talk in the public restroom for a bit. To his surprise, Kai declined, saying he preferred Soobin to be present as well. This unexpected condition conflicted with Beomgyu’s thoughts, but he agreed nonetheless.In the clean restroom, the atmosphere was tense. Not wanting to waste too much time or monopolize the restroom, Beomgyu asked Kai directly."What was the purpose of the plan? I agreed because Yeonjun pressured me to make a decision, but thinking back, it will only make things worse." He really didn't want to make it sound like his choice was due to being forced by Yeonjun.Kai sighed. "The plan was meant to create more fan engagement, to give them something to talk about and keep them invested in us. We thought a bit of controlled chaos could work in our favor."Beomgyu frowned. "But this isn't just about fan engagement. It feels... off."His comment was met with a calm response, "You had to limit your interaction with Yeonjun, right? It's not a bad thing, but it creates a bit of imbalance. We wanted to show that we're all close, and that no one is left out."Soobin, who had been listening quietly, quickly spoke up. "Kai, creating these situations isn't the way to solve that. And the imbalance in our interactions isn't even a problem to begin with. We should follow the manager's instructions."Soobin soon regretted uttering that line because Kai's mood shifted almost instantly. He fixed a dark, judgmental gaze on Soobin, then grinned."Is that so..." he murmured as he stepped forward, making the already narrow space even tighter. Beomgyu instinctively stepped back, trying to create some distance.There wasn't much space in the restroom, so Beomgyu's thighs quickly bumped into the granite part of the sink row, halting his retreat.His elbows had no choice but to rest on the flat granite surface, his head touching the mirror behind him. However, Kai didn't seem to relent. He placed both hands on either side of the sink, bending over Beomgyu until their faces were dangerously close."Say..." Kai continued whispering unclear words. The maknae was already taller, so the proximity made Beomgyu feel intimidated."Having to act like strangers even though we're supposed to be close, why did you even think it would be a good solution? Manager said this, manager said that. I'm impressed at how you follow orders so obediently," he muttered coldly. Beomgyu wasn’t sure if Kai was directing his frustration at him or Soobin.But his thoughts were interrupted when Kai continued leaning in, causing him to panic and turn his face away. The situation felt eerily similar to when they were being chased by fans, though this time Kai didn’t kiss his cheek. Instead, Beomgyu shivered as he felt his maknae’s warm breath on his ear, causing him to place his hands on Kai's shoulders in an attempt to push him away. However, the cramped space made it difficult for him to exert any real force.It took Soobin a moment to snap out of his shock and try to intervene. But Kai's sarcastic remark stopped him in his tracks. "Don't try to play the hero. I know you enjoy seeing him like this."Soobin's face flushed with embarrassment. "That's not true!" he blurted out.A sly smile played on Kai's lips as he observed his friend's reaction. Soobin realized his mistake in how he phrased his response, he meant to ask "What are you even talking about?" but had instead denied the insinuation."Really?" Kai asked, his tone suggesting he already knew the answer.As if to emphasize the truth of his earlier comment, Kai pressed his body firmly against Beomgyu's, eliciting a soft yelp from the boy. His advances were marked by nibbling on Beomgyu’s ear and tracing his lips along the earlobe, triggering a distinct sound."Ah!..." Beomgyu quickly covered his mouth, but it had already reached Soobin’s ears. The sound, unmistakably a moan, was surprisingly cute in its context, and Soobin couldn’t help but admit it.Kai’s smile widened in satisfaction at Beomgyu's reaction. He lifted his hand to grasp Beomgyu's jaw, gently turning his face towards Soobin so that his friend could fully see the distress etched on the boy’s features.Looking at Beomgyu’s vulnerable expression triggered a wave of déjà vu for Soobin. It reminded him of a similar moment in the van, when he was forcefully feeding Beomgyu a cookie. That was the first time Soobin had felt those strange, intense emotions. Now, witnessing the same vulnerability again only stirred those feelings more deeply.For some reason, Soobin found himself drawn to Beomgyu’s reaction, a powerful desire emerging within him that he couldn't easily dismiss. He felt an intense arousal, as if the situation was feeding into some hidden obsession he didn’t fully understand. Soobin questioned whether he, too, had gone mad like the other members.Meanwhile, Beomgyu, aware that Soobin wouldn't come to his aid, frantically searched for an escape. Suddenly, he felt something hard pressing against his thigh. It was solid, slightly bulging, and radiated warmth.Though he instinctively knew what it was, he couldn't help but glance down to confirm his suspicion. His eyes met Kai’s dark trousers, which were growing increasingly tight.Is he having a...? Beomgyu couldn’t bring himself to complete the thought."Soobin, how would you feel if you were the one who had to limit your interaction with Beomgyu?" Kai's question cut through the tension, making Soobin flinch noticeably.A sour emotion twisted within Soobin as he imagined the scenario. He didn’t need to ponder long, he knew he would hate it. The thought made him empathize with Yeonjun’s feelings, grasping the depth of their plan."Wait a minute, Kai! What are you on about?!" Beomgyu interjected, his voice filled with alarm. "If you’re trying to trick Soobin into doing something bad, I wil—Mmgh!"To his utter shock, Kai swiftly silenced him by shoving two of his fingers into Beomgyu's mouth. They effortlessly hit the back of his throat and the unexpected invasion caused Beomgyu to gag slightly, his face contorting with surprise and discomfort."Hyung, don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking," Kai said calmly, his voice holding an unsettling authority.The formal honorific only amplified the commanding tone, making it clear that Kai expected Beomgyu to comply without any objections.Saliva started dripping off his chin, and the fact that he shut his eyes tight was a clear sign he was feeling suffocated. Yet, Kai noticed how Beomgyu didn't decide to bite his fingers. It wasn't just because he was scared of going against his maknae, Beomgyu still cared about him even in this situation, which Kai found too adorable to handle.To be fair, Kai was beginning to love this pathetic side of Beomgyu. He found that Beomgyu's submission and obedience, however reluctant, suited him in a way that made the whole situation oddly compelling.Unfortunately, Kai's satisfaction had come to an end when there's a knock on the restroom door. Normally, people would enter without knocking, and the staff would simply call them instead. This left only one possible option for who might be at the door."I apologize if I'm disturbing you guys, but sadly, it's time for us to move," Yeonjun's sardonic voice carried in.Kai simply glanced at the door. After a few moments of silence, he stood upright, separating himself from Beomgyu. What made Beomgyu stare at him in disbelief was the fact that he had the audacity to adjust his clothes and wash his hands as if he hadn't just pinned his hyung against the granite surface."You should wipe that saliva before getting out," Kai reminded him with a wide grin, prompting Beomgyu to turn and wash his mouth....The trio soon exited the restroom, greeted by Yeonjun and Taehyun, whose relaxed demeanors were contrasted by mischievous grins.Yeonjun approached Beomgyu with a playful tone, asking if he had digestive problems since they stayed inside for quite a while. Beomgyu responded with a cold shoulder, or more accurately, shy avoidance. Yeonjun already knew what had happened in the restroom; he just wanted to tease his 'teddy bear'.Taehyun, on the other hand, approached Kai with a knowing smile. "So, did you have fun?" he asked, clearly referring to the incident in the restroom.Kai replied with a matching attitude, "It was great... until you and hyung came."Taehyun seemed pleased with Kai's answer. "I'm glad it went well. What about Soobin? Did you two have a good conversation?" he emphasized the last question, his eyes twinkling with amusement."I know you can tell by looking," Kai said, slightly annoyed by Taehyun's antics. "How about you? What did the manager call you and hyung over for?"Taehyun shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing new. He just wanted to remind us about maintaining our image on the stage, and we nodded. That's it.""Oh really? Seeing how he looked as if he wanted to burst in anger, he's surprisingly tame. I think he knew the meaning behind our strange behaviors but chose to ignore it for the company," Kai snickered. "After all, being in a relationship is always scandalous."Taehyun nodded. "True, though... if he wants to keep us in the company for long, he'll have to work hard to cover our 'stains'. It's not easy.""You're quite calm for someone on the verge of being fired at any moment," Kai joked."Look who's talking," Taehyun retorted with a smirk. "We've all lost our minds, remember? Being crazy once in a while is less boring than trying to uphold a perfect facade all the time."Taehyun tore a glance at Beomgyu, who still had that avoidant look, then turned back to Kai—or more precisely—his lower part. Kai easily caught on to that brief gaze. Taehyun muttered, "It's almost time for the concert. Try not to push our Beomgyu too much, he'll break.""I know. Even if I wanted to, Yeonjun wouldn't let me," Kai shrugged dismissively. "Despite his relaxed attitude, he's the jealous type. I wouldn't be surprised if he's giving me a menacing look right now."That remark made Taehyun automatically turn around to check, and he was met with the dead-fish eyes of Yeonjun. The friendly smile he wore didn’t help lift his overall dark aura; if anything, it made his expression look uncanny.
Yep, he's jealous.
...The venue was filled to capacity with thousands of eager fans, primarily Moas who had been anticipating this moment for weeks. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and energy, even though the show had yet to begin. The stage was a marvel of engineering, boasting a robust frame and an intricate lighting system that promised a visual spectacle.Recently, it had been announced that due to Beomgyu's last incident, the breaks between songs would be extended. This change aimed to ensure the members' health and well-being, giving them enough time to recover before the next performance. The decision had been carefully discussed with the group, who were informed about the precise timings for their stage appearances.Fans generally supported this decision, appreciating the consideration for the members' health. This move helped ease a significant portion of the complaints, though it didn't dampen the everlasting shipping discussions.Backstage, TXT was in the midst of a whirlwind costume change. The hustle and bustle of stylists and makeup artists added to the chaos. Staff members rushed around, making final adjustments to outfits, checking microphones, and ensuring everything was in place for the performance. Amidst this flurry, Soobin and Kai were still lingering in the changing room, taking their time. This was a stark contrast to the morning when they had been the ones hurrying Yeonjun along. Now, Yeonjun saw his chance for a bit of light-hearted payback."Hurry up, you two! Our fans are waiting!" he called out with a teasing grin, leaning casually against the doorframe. His eyes sparkled with mischief, enjoying the role reversal and the opportunity to prod his bandmates.Taehyun, fully aware of the reason behind Soobin and Kai's delay, gave Beomgyu a meaningful stare, causing the boy to blink with a question mark hovering above his head. "What?""Nothing," he replied, but his eyes still held that mischievous glint.Beomgyu didn't push the issue further but merely shifted to another topic, "Um... Taehyun."His friend raised an eyebrow, "Yeah?"Beomgyu's lips twitched nervously, his fingers fidgeting uncontrollably. His eyes wandered everywhere except Taehyun's face, and his cheeks flushed a deep crimson. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, "Do you think... uh... getting a-a-aroused is a normal reaction for an idol?"Taehyun had to stifle a laugh at Beomgyu's innocent question. He could guess what this was about. Ahh... I get it now, Kai definitely went a bit overboard in that restroom, he thought.It was clear that Kai's actions had left Beomgyu thoroughly confused and worried. Their adorable teddy bear was having an inner turmoil over the whole situation and needed someone to guide him through it. Unfortunately for him, he had chosen Taehyun as his guide.In an effort to avoid any misunderstanding, Beomgyu quickly added, "Ah! It's not something dirty! I'm just... wondering."Taehyun couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. Beomgyu's flustered face, combined with his wide eyes, made him look even more adorable. Stop being so cute, it makes me wanna tease you more, he tried to keep the comment to himself."Well…" Taehyun began, choosing his words carefully, "It's not unusual for anyone to feel aroused in certain situations. Idols are human too, with the same feelings and reactions as anyone else.""Not unusual..." Beomgyu murmured the words, the explanation not seeming to ease his worried look. If anything, he appeared more concerned. "Even when it's... let's say... between friends?"Beomgyu's attempt to be polite and indirect about the sensitive topic was clear, but to Taehyun, it was obvious what he was trying to ask. A thought crossed Taehyun's mind, If I admit it's a weird behavior, you will run away from us, won't you? He grinned darkly to himself. He couldn't afford to scare Beomgyu away, not now.With a bright smile, Taehyun replied casually, "It's normal."Beomgyu's eyes widened in shock. "Huh? R-Really?""Of course," Taehyun said with a wide grin. "You don't think humans can't feel sexual attraction toward friends, do you? Idols aren't that different."Beomgyu's face flushed deeper as he processed Taehyun's words. "Well... yes, but... having romantic feelings for someone while being an idol is a bit…"Taehyun intervened before Beomgyu could pull himself back to his senses. "Why does it bother you so much? Are you actually referring to..." For some reason, he leaned close to Beomgyu's ear, whispering the last word seductively, "Yourself?"Beomgyu's face immediately burst into a deep crimson color. He instinctively covered his ear and pushed himself away from Taehyun, who continued to smile brightly as if he hadn't just deliberately whispered those provocative words."Taehyun!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of embarrassment and frustration.Taehyun chuckled, enjoying the reaction he had elicited. "Relax, Beomgyu. I'm just messing with you."Not yet, but I will soon. A sinister gleam flickered in his eyes as he thought about his purposeful choice of words.Soobin and Kai finally came out of the room, their outfits impeccable, though their slightly disheveled hair hinted at the hurried pace they had maintained. Yeonjun, still leaning casually against the doorframe, gave them a mock stern look."About time," he teased, pushing off the frame and straightening his sleeve. "Let's go."On the manager’s cue, all five members stepped onto the stage, emerging from the darkness into the dazzling lights. They were immediately greeted by a sea of lightsticks and deafening screams. The fans' energy was tangible, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as they saw their idols appear.Beomgyu's usual confidence was visibly shaken as he blinked rapidly, his anxiety noticeable. Being close to his bandmates was strangely stressful for him at that moment, a feeling he normally wouldn't let affect him.He flinched hard when a hand suddenly touched his back. Turning around, he saw Soobin. The older boy told Beomgyu to stand more upright and not to feel nervous. Inwardly, Beomgyu sighed in relief, knowing he could at least trust Soobin.What Beomgyu didn't know, however, was just how unhinged his friends had become. The situation had escalated far beyond mere awkwardness or misplaced affection, it was reaching a level that was not only troubling but also disconcerting. His only mistake was still considering the other members as his 'friends.’
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The first song began almost immediately, eliciting an even louder reaction from the crowd. The familiar tune had Moas singing along passionately, their voices blending with the group. The atmosphere was electric, with every beat and note resonating through the venue.While the performance seemed smooth to most, a few observant fans noticed subtle awkwardness in the choreography. The usually sharp and dynamic movements were slightly off. The members’ eyes occasionally darted away from the cameras, as if distracted or uneasy. The errors were small, but noticeable to those who knew the group’s usual perfection.Among them, one member stood out—Beomgyu. His performance remained strong and consistent, his energy unwavering. He hit every mark with precision and his expressions were sincere and engaging.The strangeness became even more noticeable when it was time for the song Moas had been eagerly anticipating—The Killa. Typically, it had fans reaching for their water bottles, both out of thirst and for the cooling effect of its intense sexiness.This time, however, the song’s usual sensuality was significantly toned down, and the excited screams were subdued. Observant fans quickly detected that the onstage chemistry between Yeonjun and Soobin was surprisingly average. While they executed their moves flawlessly, their interactions lacked the usual spark, making it seem as if they were performing solo rather than as a cohesive unit.The choreography, normally a display of intense, shared charisma, felt disjointed. In the past, their interactions exuded a flirtatious energy that felt like they were not just performing, but engaging with each other and with the audience. Now, that magnetic connection was missing. Instead, it appeared as though they were simply executing a routine, their usual chemistry replaced by a perfunctory display of seduction.The choreography remained potent enough to convey a sense of allure. But this time, it felt impersonal, almost as if they were performing for someone specific offstage rather than engaging with the audience. Moas couldn't shake the feeling that the focus of Yeonjun and Soobin's attention was elsewhere, directed at a singular, unseen point. It made them speculate about what—or who—might be influencing their idols so profoundly.Their odd behaviors extended into the next short break, known as the 'Ment' segment, where idols typically engage with fans through speeches and casual conversation. During this time, it became increasingly obvious that the members never let Beomgyu slip out of the camera’s focus for more than 10 seconds. They constantly found ways to bring him into the discussion, make physical contact, and ask him questions that prompt him to participate.The imbalance in screen time was so striking that even casual observers noticed, let alone the dedicated fans of each idol. Initially, Beomgyu’s fans were thrilled with the attention he was getting, but they soon became perplexed by the disproportionate focus.The cameramen faced a dilemma as well. They aimed to distribute screen time equally among the members, but found themselves repeatedly pointing their lenses at Beomgyu. Every time the conversation circled back to him, they had no choice but to shift their cameras toward him yet again.The emphasis on Beomgyu was so pronounced that it felt as though the audience was merely a backdrop to the members' interactions.But Beomgyu didn't express any satisfaction at the attention he received; on the contrary, he felt extremely uncomfortable. He constantly signaled to the other members to shift the focus to any topic that didn't involve him, but they either didn't notice his silent pleas or intentionally ignored his discomfort.The interactions with Beomgyu were laced with romantic tension. Members would hold his hand for longer than necessary, hug him from behind, cup his face tenderly, blow kisses, and engage in other intimate gestures that transcended the boundaries of mere friendship.Fans were struggling to restrain themselves from shipping their idols, but how could they when the members behaved like lovers? The interactions were so overtly affectionate that it was impossible for the fans to dismiss them as anything other than romantic.In the midst of the crowd, one girl rested her chin on her hand, her expression serious as she scrutinized the members on stage. After a moment of deep thought, she blurted out, "Which one of them do you think is the bottom?"Her question immediately shattered the previously serious atmosphere. Her older sister, sitting beside her, delivered a sharp smack to her head."What kind of question is that?!" she hissed, trying to keep her voice low so as not to disturb the rest of the audience.Rubbing the spot where she was struck, the younger girl protested through her tears, "But look at them! How is this not some kind of BL drama?"The sister, now even more exasperated, gave her another swat, silencing her for good....The concert finally came to an end, though the persistent and awkward focus on Beomgyu remained throughout. As they waved goodbye to the fans, the members acted as if the unsettling moments hadn't occurred. Moas tried to overlook their strange behaviors, engaging with excitement and bringing the concert to a seemingly successful conclusion.Backstage, TXT was met with awkward gazes from the staff. The group was advised to steer clear of the manager, who was having a mental breakdown and could lash out at the troublemakers if confronted.With some time to kill before boarding the van and unable to face the manager, the members had no choice but to return to the waiting room.As they walked back, Yeonjun approached Beomgyu. He made a casual comment while reaching out to place a hand on Beomgyu's shoulder. "The performance went well, right, Beomgyu?" But the other boy instinctively dodged his hand, quickly inching closer to Soobin and hiding behind him, his expression filled with genuine fear.Beomgyu wasn’t truly scared of his bandmates; he was simply overwhelmed by the intense attention he received earlier. His name had been called so many times that it seemed to trigger a phobia. Now, even the sound of his own name heightened his anxiety, prompting him to instinctively seek refuge near Soobin—the one person he trusted.Under normal circumstances, the members should have felt guilty or worried about their friend's discomfort. Instead, the trio standing opposite Beomgyu secretly relished his reaction. They were always aware of the subtle psychological games they played, but they never imagined it would be this easy to expose Beomgyu's vulnerable side.With Beomgyu clearly leaning on Soobin for support, the trio watched intently, waiting for Soobin’s reaction. If he chose to defend Beomgyu and reprimand them for making him uncomfortable, it would indicate that Kai's words hadn't influenced Soobin, and they would need to find another way to deal with him.Soobin remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Beomgyu's hands gripping his sleeve. He then looked up at Beomgyu's troubled expression, the pause feeling like an eternity.Finally, Soobin opened his mouth, gently pulling his arm away from the other boy's grasp. "Beomgyu, whatever is on your mind right now, you shouldn't think too hard about it," he commented calmly.This statement took everyone by surprise, especially Beomgyu, whose eyes widened in shock. He reluctantly nodded, feeling more isolated than ever. Soobin’s reaction had not provided the comfort he sought, leaving him to question his own thoughts and the dynamics within the group. Was it true that he had been overthinking the earlier events?Among the trio, Kai was the first to analyze Soobin's decision, finding interesting hints in his behavior. Before speaking to Beomgyu, Soobin had fixed his gaze on the boy, attentively observing his scared demeanor and troubled expression. The stare lingered long enough for Kai to infer what might be going through Soobin's mind.He was Kai's best friend, which led to an intriguing realization: they had something in common. The way Soobin seemed deeply captivated by Beomgyu's worried face, and how he made Beomgyu feel even more distressed despite knowing his words could hurt, spoke volumes to Kai.Soobin is secretly a sadist, he concluded.This realization made Kai want to laugh at its simplicity. They were friends, and Kai enjoyed seeing Beomgyu troubled, so it made sense that Soobin might share the same kink.Kai gave Yeonjun and Taehyun a subtle nod, a silent exchange that conveyed a world of meaning. The duo caught on immediately, their lips curling into satisfied smiles. The plan had unfolded perfectly. Beomgyu might not realize it yet, but there's no one left in the group he could trust. Soobin, his last bastion of hope, had already aligned himself with the trio.Yeonjun and Taehyun exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Their thoughts echoed in unison.
Welcome to the club, Soobin.
...15 minutes later, they finally boarded the van and set off. The atmosphere inside was almost silent, with each member engrossed in their own activities. Kai engaged in casual conversation with Yeonjun, while Taehyun had drifted off to sleep unnoticed. Feeling uneasy, Beomgyu sat extra close to Soobin, who was deeply absorbed in a video game on his phone.Initially, the seating arrangement was meant to remain unchanged, but Beomgyu had suggested switching it up, expressing a desire to sit next to Soobin. The manager, already battling a headache, reluctantly agreed when he saw that none of the members objected.Beomgyu was probably the only one feeling tense. He kept observing Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Kai, as if staring at them long enough would reveal some dark secret. However, even after a good amount of time, he still couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. In fact, everyone barely gave him a glance.He had expected that they would continue to hassle him for the rest of the day, but the peaceful atmosphere left him doubting whether he had been overly paranoid.Now that he thought about it, wasn't his current behavior rather childish? He had distanced himself from the other members due to a baseless fear. Surprisingly, his friends didn’t seem to find him annoying.Guilt gnawed at him as he realized how much he had misunderstood them. Despite his irrational behaviors, they didn’t mind. He wished he could do something in return to make up for his doubts.The trip was quite long, and the gentle bumping sounds combined with Yeonjun and Kai’s chatter eventually lulled Beomgyu into a sleepy state. His head bobbed up and down until it fell to the side and rested on Soobin’s shoulder. Feeling the sudden weight, Soobin paused his game and glanced at the sleeping boy next to him.He had planned to ignore Beomgyu like the other members to confuse him further. Unsurprisingly, their plan had worked seamlessly; Beomgyu was just that easy to manipulate.Yeonjun soon stopped chatting and turned his eyes to Beomgyu. "Is he sleeping?" he asked, his gaze softening. Soobin nodded in response.Satisfied with the answer, Yeonjun pulled out his phone and started typing away with purpose. His fingers moved quickly over the screen, as if composing an important message. As soon as Yeonjun finished, Soobin picked up his own phone and began tapping on it.Meanwhile, in the middle row, Kai was also absorbed in his phone, his focus intense as he typed. These simultaneous actions were too synchronized to be coincidental.Things grew even stranger when a fourth phone appeared. Taehyun, who had been seemingly asleep, suddenly pulled out his device and started typing as well. It turned out he had only been pretending to sleep to avoid raising Beomgyu's suspicions.At that moment, it became clear what they were doing. They were texting each other in a group chat, one that Beomgyu was definitely not a part of. Their conversation unveiled a sinister plan:
Yeonjun
So, what should we do with him?
Soobin
Whatever it is, don't push him too much.
Kai
Soobin, everyone already knows how freaky you actually are. Don't act righteous.
Taehyun
Guys, remember that he's still friendzoning us, so any approach can raise his defenses.
Kai
What a pity.
Yeonjun
Kai... you already have a straightforward approach in mind, right? It won't work, I must say.
Kai
Well… we won't know if we don't try, and most of all, I have deep-throated him once. Soobin can testify to that.
Soobin
Hey! Language!
Kai
Am I wrong though? You were there and enjoyed seeing him gag. We're basically partners in crime now.
Taehyun
It's impressive how you try to make it sound as dirty as possible.
Soobin
Don't listen to him, Yeonjun. He used his fingers, not his... you know.
Yeonjun
Thanks for the explanation, otherwise I would have murdered him without a second thought.
Kai
See, Taehyun? I told you he's the jealous type.
Taehyun
This is more than just 'jealous', Kai.
Yeonjun
So annoying…
Yeonjun
Anyway, we agreed to share him, meaning each of us will take turns spending time with him.
Taehyun
Why take turns? I don't mind having a threesome.
Soobin
Language!!!
Kai
Will you shut up?! You understand us, so you're just as dirty-minded!
Soobin
And why do you think you can lure Beomgyu into doing those kinky stuff?!
Yeonjun
GODDAMMIT! STOP ARGUING AND LET ME FINISH TEXTING!!!
Despite their intense bickering, they eventually found common ground, resulting in a plan that would be a nightmare for the sleeping boy...."... u..... gyu….. Beomgyu, wake up." The faint call pierced through Beomgyu’s dream, initially distant and unclear. It only became discernible as he stirred, his eyes opening wearily to find Yeonjun’s gentle smile.They had arrived at a local motel, the van now empty except for the two of them.Beomgyu rubbed his eyes with a yawn, "How long did I sleep?""About an hour," Yeonjun replied. "Everyone has already gotten off. I stayed behind to wake you up."Beomgyu, still drowsy and visibly tired, responded, "Thanks for calling me. I’ll get off in 5 minutes. You go ahead." With that, he sank back into the seat, quickly drifting off once more.Yeonjun stifled a laugh at Beomgyu’s innocent and unthinking demeanor. With no one else around, Yeonjun contemplated the endless possibilities of what he could do to Beomgyu while he remained unwary. His current duty was to wake Beomgyu, but Yeonjun’s thoughts drifted to more vile methods.The idea of French kissing Beomgyu came to mind. Just imagining cupping Beomgyu’s angelic face, placing slow, tender kisses on his soft lips, and then sliding his tongue inside was enough to ignite a new wave of arousal.Yeonjun managed to restrain himself, though with considerable effort, and opted for a different approach. "Hah… if you don’t wake up now, I’ll have to carry you," he teased, waiting for Beomgyu’s response.Instead of sensing something amiss, Beomgyu sleepily mumbled, "Yeah… that’ll be great…"Don’t mind if I do, Yeonjun thought with a grin.He carefully positioned one hand under Beomgyu’s knees and the other around his shoulders. In this moment, Beomgyu resembled a sleeping beauty, and Yeonjun found himself mesmerized by the sight of his serene face.As Yeonjun began to lift Beomgyu from the seat, the younger boy jolted awake, his eyes flying open to find Yeonjun’s face inches from his own. Yeonjun felt a twinge of disappointment that his attempt to carry Beomgyu had failed.He put on a show of exasperation, playfully chiding Beomgyu for his laziness. "Look at you, making me do all the work just to get you out of the van."Beomgyu, still groggy and disoriented, accepted the excuse without question. He rubbed the back of his head, mumbling an apology. "Sorry about that."With that, they headed towards the motel, only to discover that none of the staff members were around. They took their seats on the stainless steel benches in the lobby, waiting in silence. Suddenly, Yeonjun's phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Taehyun.
"We’re keeping the manager and other staff members occupied. You have about 10 minutes to talk to Beomgyu. Good luck."
Yeonjun's lips stretched into a wide smile upon reading the message. He relished being the first to make a move on Beomgyu....About an hour ago, while Beomgyu was asleep, the group had decided to take turns approaching him. The other three would either assist the designated member or refrain from interfering. They had randomized the order, and the result was Yeonjun - Taehyun - Soobin - Kai. The youngest boy furrowed his brows at his terrible luck, frustrated to be last.
Taehyun
Now that the order is clear, what will you do to trick him into having sex with you?
Kai
Soobin, don't think you can pull that 'language' card again.
Soobin
Then don't use those vulgar words in the first place!
Yeonjun
I have an idea.
...Back in the present, Yeonjun broke the silence first."Beomgyu, we've reached our twenties, right?" he began, his voice casual but with an underlying seriousness.Beomgyu turned his head, nodding slowly. "Uh, yeah?" he responded, confusion etched on his face."I've noticed how normal adults at our age have more freedom to explore their interests," Yeonjun sighed, running a hand through his hair. "As idols, we have to keep our images pristine and be good boys all the time. But... lately, I've had this urge to break the rules a little, to go a bit wild."Beomgyu's concern deepened, though he tried to show understanding. "I get what you're saying, still... you shouldn't go overboard."Yeonjun leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you know what kind of 'activity' I'm talking about?"Beomgyu blinked, taken aback by the question. A sense of unease began to creep over him.Yeonjun beckoned Beomgyu nearer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. When Beomgyu hesitantly complied, Yeonjun leaned in even closer, his lips almost grazing Beomgyu's ear as he whispered, "S... E... X..." Each letter was drawn out slowly, his breath tickling Beomgyu's skin.It took a moment for the meaning to sink in, but when it did, Beomgyu's face turned a deep crimson, the blush spreading from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. His eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively pulled back. The unexpected intimacy and the nature of Yeonjun's words left him momentarily stunned, his heart pounding as he struggled to process what he'd just heard."Are you serious?" Beomgyu asked, his voice filled with disbelief.Yeonjun shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, why not?""You can't!" Beomgyu exclaimed. "Engaging in sexual activities is one of the most scandalous things idols do! It would ruin our careers instantly!"Yeonjun remained unfazed. "Beomgyu, we're idols, not robots. We have desires and needs just like anyone else. Experiencing arousal and wanting release is a normal part of being an adult."Beomgyu's face reflected a mix of disgust and concern. "Yeonjun... what's going on with you? Don't tell me you're having a..." he trailed off, his gaze dropping to Yeonjun's pants.Seizing the opportunity to provoke him, Yeonjun leaned in slightly and smirked. "Curious about something?"Beomgyu shook his head vehemently. "No!"Seeing how Beomgyu reacted, Yeonjun, though tempted to continue teasing, decided to stick to the plan and adopted a melancholic demeanor."... Sorry, I just can't help it," he murmured, lowering his head to appear pitiful. "Watching couples on the street makes me feel so lonely. I don't even know what I want to pursue anymore."His voice carried a tinge of sadness and pain, as if he was truly lost. Witnessing his friend in such a vulnerable state, Beomgyu felt a sudden urge to comfort him, realizing he might have been too harsh on the topic."I-It's okay, Yeonjun. I'm sorry for what I said earli—" he paused mid-sentence.A tear fell to the ground, followed by another. Beomgyu's eyes widened at the sight. He never imagined Yeonjun's issue could be this serious. Just moments ago, he had found it problematic, but now, seeing Yeonjun shed tears, he regretted giving him the cold shoulder.Beomgyu searched for the right words to cheer Yeonjun up but soon realized that sometimes words weren't necessary. Sometimes, a simple hug could mean more than any words of encouragement.Standing up from his seat, Beomgyu moved in front of Yeonjun and gently wrapped his arms around the older boy's head, leaning it against his chest. The hug wasn't overly tight, but it was warm and comforting, capable of dissolving any lingering bad emotions. Beomgyu wasn't sure what he could do to help Yeonjun, but he knew one thing for sure: he wouldn't leave his friend alone in his most vulnerable state.Though it took a while, Yeonjun eventually returned the hug, wrapping his arms around Beomgyu's waist and tightening the embrace. Beomgyu felt a sense of relief, happy that he had managed to comfort his friend.However, the truth behind Yeonjun's sorrow was far darker than Beomgyu could ever imagine. His kindness had been manipulated, his good intentions twisted for a sickening plan Yeonjun had come up with.Grinning widely at the success of his act, Yeonjun pressed his face against Beomgyu's shirt, inhaling the soft scent he found so addicting. A dirty thought flickered through his mind.
It will be better if he’s naked.
After that, Yeonjun began to loosen his arms, pulling away from Beomgyu. He murmured sadly, "Beomgyu, can you… promise me that you won't tell anyone? It will be quite troublesome, especially after our recent incident."Without any hesitation, Beomgyu nodded, "Of course, I won't say a word. I promise."So obedient, Yeonjun chuckled inwardly.Coincidentally, a door a few feet away opened and several staff members emerged. Spotting the duo, they asked where they had been. Once the small misunderstanding was cleared up, the group was informed that they had free time to go out, as long as they returned by 10 PM.The group nodded happily. While Beomgyu initially planned to head to bed early, the others insisted he join them for some fun. Seeing it as a chance for Yeonjun to relax, Beomgyu agreed to go along.As usual, they donned hats and face masks to conceal their identities, mindful of the risk of being recognized by passing fans.After about 5 minutes of walking, Kai suggested they stop at a bar, a choice that immediately concerned Beomgyu. Bars didn't seem like a suitable place for the kind of fun he had in mind. He frowned, but the others appeared excited at the idea.Beomgyu hesitated, feeling uneasy about the location. The noise, the crowd, and the potential for trouble made him apprehensive. Yet, he didn’t want to dampen the group's spirits. He decided to go along, hoping for the best.Kai, with his arm draped around Soobin's shoulders, guided him toward a table tucked away in a corner. Meanwhile, Taehyun came over to Beomgyu, encouraging him to unwind and make the most of the night. Beomgyu, though still a bit uneasy, accepted the offer and took a seat with Taehyun. They both opted for non-alcoholic drinks and engaged in light conversation.As they chatted, Beomgyu's attention was drawn to Yeonjun, who was mingling with several girls from a distance. He noticed that Yeonjun's interactions seemed unusually intimate and engaging. By the time Yeonjun approached the sixth girl, their conversation extended well beyond the others, and they appeared to be quite at ease with each other.On Yeonjun’s side, his strategy involved engaging with various girls at the bar, each interaction designed to assess their level of interest. He would mention his fondness for TXT's music and gauge their reactions. If a girl showed enthusiasm or familiarity with the group, he would quickly wrap up the conversation and move on.It wasn’t long before Yeonjun found his ideal target. The sixth girl he approached confessed that she wasn’t well-versed in K-pop and didn’t follow idol culture closely. Sensing an opportunity, Yeonjun shifted his approach, turning on his charm and beginning to flirt with her.In reality, Yeonjun wasn’t particularly selective about who he approached. His primary concern was avoiding recognition by fans while executing his plan. He needed someone whose interest could be piqued without drawing unwanted attention.As the evening progressed, Yeonjun’s sixth target appeared increasingly interested, drawn in by his charismatic demeanor. She started making more overt advances, lightly brushing her hand against his shoulder as an invitation. Yeonjun responded with a confident, seductive smile, clearly pleased with the girl’s attention.Beomgyu, who was observing the entire interaction, struggled to contain his shock. His thoughts raced in panic.
Yeonjun is being lured into something sexual!
Noticing Beomgyu’s distress, Taehyun inquired if something was wrong. Beomgyu gestured toward Yeonjun and the girl, prompting Taehyun to chuckle. "Don’t worry," he reassured, "They’re just chatting. If Yeonjun was uncomfortable, he’d speak up. Besides, it’s not like he’s into that kind of stuff."Beomgyu’s face stiffened at Taehyun’s comment. He couldn’t reveal the truth—that Yeonjun was indeed interested in such activity—because he had promised to keep it a secret!Suddenly, Beomgyu’s anxiety spiked as he saw Yeonjun and the girl rise from their seats and head toward the back door. The sight set off alarm bells in his mind.He bit his lip nervously and turned to Taehyun. "I… I need to use the restroom! Be right back!" Without waiting for a response, he leapt to his feet.Taehyun called after him, his voice laced with a curious grin. "There’s still some drink left. You should finish it before you go." His grin was enigmatic, and Beomgyu couldn’t quite place its meaning. Yet, not wanting to waste any more time, Beomgyu quickly downed his drink and darted towards the back door.Meanwhile, Taehyun watched him go, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement. He casually swirled his own drink in his glass, then, his other hand discreetly slid a small packet into his pocket. It appeared to have been torn."Good luck," Taehyun murmured softly, the words directed at no one in particular....Behind the back door, a long hallway stretched out. Beomgyu sprinted down the corridor, quickly catching up to Yeonjun and the girl. Yeonjun turned to him with a feigned look of surprise. "Beomgyu? What are you doing here?"Beomgyu didn't bother to catch his breath. "Can we talk for a minute?" he asked, his voice strained but polite.The girl, sensing the need for privacy, graciously stepped away, leaving the two boys alone in the hallway. Beomgyu wasted no time. "You shouldn't engage in this kind of activity," he began urgently. "What if that girl secretly records your face and uploads it on the internet?"To Beomgyu’s surprise, Yeonjun responded with an unnerving calmness. "She doesn’t know me, and this is similar to a one-night stand. It'll be over in half an hour.""That's not the point!" Beomgyu exclaimed, his voice a hushed whisper. "We're idols. These things are forbidden!"Yeonjun's eyes darkened slightly. "Then tell me... what should I do about this?" He pointed downward, Beomgyu’s gaze followed his finger, landing on the obvious bulge in his pants. The sight of Yeonjun's obvious arousal made him unable to form a reply.Yeonjun leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You see, Beomgyu, sometimes physical needs can be overwhelming. It’s not just about desire. It’s about relief. And right now, I need that relief."Beomgyu's mind was chaotic, the situation had escalated into something he couldn't see a way out of. But that wasn’t the worst part.As they stood there, Beomgyu suddenly experienced a strange sensation. His vision began to blur, and it felt like his body temperature was rising. His heart raced erratically, and even breathing became a struggle. Panic set in as he wondered if he was falling ill.Fortunately, the symptoms weren’t potent enough to completely distract him from the pressing issue at hand. However, by the time Beomgyu regained his focus, Yeonjun had already positioned himself with both hands on either side of the wall, trapping Beomgyu in between. Their faces were surprisingly close, making Beomgyu feel a surge of embarrassment at their proximity."There’s a solution for this…" Yeonjun said, his voice low and suggestive, clearly referring to his arousal. Beomgyu's eyes widened with a flicker of hope, but it was shattered when Yeonjun finished his sentence. "How about… you replace her?"The words hung heavily in the air, followed by a thick, tense silence. Beomgyu’s shock was immense. His mouth fell open, and he stood frozen, trying to comprehend the audacity and implication of Yeonjun’s proposal.Huh? It was the only word that popped into his mind.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"How about… you replace her?"Beomgyu wished he could unhear it—the clear statement suggesting the most vile idea imaginable. It was the last thing he expected Yeonjun to come up with. He wondered if the older boy had ordered an alcoholic drink and got himself dead drunk. But then again, that wouldn’t explain Yeonjun’s casual approach with the girls in the first place.His mind raced, the absurdity of the situation overwhelmed him. His thoughts jumbled into a chaotic mess, each question more ridiculous than the last.Replace her? As in doing 'that' with Yeonjun instead of the girl? How would that even work between two guys? If they made out, where would Yeonjun... Beomgyu didn’t have that 'part' like the girl. He wasn’t even a girl! But that was beside the point.As Beomgyu's eyes darted around, processing the wild thoughts flooding his mind, Yeonjun chimed in teasingly, "You're not thinking about something dirty, are you?" The truth was, whatever Beomgyu was imagining, Yeonjun was certain it wasn't far from reality.He already knew there would be a high possibility that Beomgyu shook his head in protest and declined helping him, the idea was absurd and beyond the boundaries after all. However, Yeonjun was well-prepared, he wouldn't let his beloved Beomgyu escape so easily.To further ease Beomgyu's nerves, Yeonjun moved aside and stood upright in a casual stance, appearing non-threatening. His tactic seemed to work, Beomgyu's anxiety visibly diminished as he stopped biting his lips and his eyebrows relaxed. This ensured a high percentage of a "yes" response.Yeonjun was slowly but surely steering the situation in his favor, but he knew he needed to apply just a bit more pressure to push Beomgyu over the edge."Well... I guess it makes sense that you wouldn't want to get involved in something like this," he said, feigning disappointment. "But it's okay, I understand. Just give me 30 minutes, and I'll come back to join the group." With that, he turned his gaze towards the direction the girl had gone, as if to show Beomgyu that he intended to call her back and continue their business.Feeling a surge of panic, Beomgyu let his emotions take control. Without thinking, he reached out and grabbed Yeonjun's hand tightly, his voice trembling as he blurted out the words Yeonjun had been hoping to hear, "D-Don't go! I'll do it with you!""That's all you have to say," Yeonjun's voice instantly dropped to a low, almost predatory tone, abandoning the facade of kindness he had maintained just moments earlier. The shift in his demeanor was visible, and Beomgyu couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.The hand Beomgyu grabbed quickly held his wrist back, yanking his entire body forward. Yeonjun began walking briskly down the hallway, dragging Beomgyu along. His pace was swift, imbued with an unmistakable urgency.It seemed as if everything had been meticulously planned in advance when Yeonjun opened a random door with ease and ushered them inside. With a quick motion, he locked the door behind them, the click echoing ominously. Beomgyu looked around and found himself in what seemed to be a bedroom, which struck him as odd—bars typically didn’t have rooms like this.But when he turned to face Yeonjun, he was taken aback to see the older boy unbuttoning his shirt."Wait, wait, wait! Shouldn't you at least tell her about this first?" Beomgyu exclaimed, his face flushing as he turned away.Yeonjun, now pulling off his tie, responded, "She won't know where we are anyway, as long as you can keep your voice down." There was an unspoken sensuality in his words."Keep my voice down?" Beomgyu echoed, his head tilting in bewilderment. Why did Yeonjun make it sound like he was going to scream? "What do you mea—"Before he could finish his question, Yeonjun had already closed the distance between them. He placed his hands firmly on Beomgyu's shoulders and pushed, causing both of them to fall backward and, coincidentally, land on a soft, double bed. Yeonjun's hands moved from Beomgyu's shoulders to the bed on either side of his head, effectively trapping him. Yeonjun then positioned his knees on the sheet, creating faint creaking sounds that only heightened the sensual atmosphere in the room.Beomgyu's mind was in turmoil. He had expected Yeonjun to ask for a quick favor, perhaps a hand job to get it over with swiftly. But as Yeonjun undressed and pinned him to the bed without warning, Beomgyu began to question his decision to participate."Hey, didn't you just say you only needed relief?" Beomgyu's voice wavered with a mix of confusion and apprehension. His question hinted at an unspoken thought: Why didn’t Yeonjun just handle it himself or ask Beomgyu to help in a simpler way? Why go through the trouble of undressing and dragging him along?Yeonjun responded with a knowing grin. "True... but not everyone can finish just by jerking off," he said, his visibly hungry eyes made Beomgyu grip the sheets tightly in anxiety. "For some individuals, there need to be specific conditions for them to reach climax. And sometimes, it takes time. For example..."Yeonjun whispered near Beomgyu's ear, his naughty right hand trailing down to Beomgyu's waist and slipping inside his shirt, brushing against his side, which made the boy twitch. "Foreplay," he continued, his hand moving slowly upward. "Biting," he added as Beomgyu's breath quickened. "Humiliation," Yeonjun's hand reached his chest, caressing his nipple. Beomgyu shut his eyes tightly, biting his lips to stifle a yelp. "Nipple play," he murmured, the younger boy trembling beneath him, "Bondage," Yeonjun's knee started shifting between Beomgyu's thighs. "Edging," he rubbed it against Beomgyu's crotch, causing him to throw his head back, clearly overwhelmed by the array of new sensations. “You name it,” Yeonjun finished.Beomgyu felt like his body was on fire. He struggled to breathe, inhaling and exhaling rapidly, but it was never enough. The more Yeonjun touched him, the closer he felt to slipping into a state of oblivion.W-What's wrong with me? he wondered, bewildered by his own reactions.Yeonjun continued his exploration, placing soft kisses on Beomgyu's sensitive neck that made his breath hitch. The younger boy's consciousness was scattered, unable to distinguish between his own need and pure lust.Noticing Beomgyu's lack of resistance, Yeonjun smiled, clearly pleased, and moved his lips closer to Beomgyu's, taking advantage of his dazed state.
This isn't right...
A sudden thought flickered in Beomgyu's mind, and he pushed Yeonjun away just before their lips could meet. Yeonjun's eyes, shadowed by his dark bangs, held a mix of disappointment and irritation."What?" he asked."S-Sorry, it's just..." Beomgyu stammered, furrowing his brows. "I can't do this when it's you."That remark cut Yeonjun like an invisible blade. He didn't want to hear that confession, that shitty truth.Beomgyu continued, "Whenever I open my eyes, I'm reminded that I'm doing this with a friend, and it's a hard pill to swallow," he murmured, feeling bad for putting it that way."... Okay…" Yeonjun's voice was quiet, bare above a whisper.Beomgyu expected Yeonjun to look at him with disappointment or criticize him for agreeing to this but backing out at the last moment. He even braced himself for a slap. Yet, nothing like that happened. Instead, Yeonjun chose a more degrading solution, intensifying the already erotic tension in the room.He reached for the tie he had tossed aside earlier, holding it just above Beomgyu's face with a mischievous smirk that barely concealed its sadistic edge. "If you can't bear to see my face, shall we cover your eyes then?" he suggested, clearly intending to use the tie as a blindfold.Beomgyu's jaw dropped momentarily. The suggestion caught him off guard, but he realized that technically, it would solve his problem. He wouldn't have to worry about seeing Yeonjun's face while making out. He just needed to stop thinking of the person in front of him as his friend.Yeah... that's all he needed to do.Resolutely, Beomgyu lay still and allowed Yeonjun to wrap the tie around his head, effectively blinding him. As his vision was taken away, his other senses heightened dramatically. The darkness amplified every sensation, even the brush of Yeonjun's fingers against his ears made him shudder. The soft fabric of the tie pressing against his eyelids added to the surreal intensity of the moment. He could feel every whisper of breath against his skin, every shift in the bed as Yeonjun moved.With his sight gone, the slightest touch from Yeonjun felt electric. The older boy’s fingers traced the contours of his face, moved down his neck, and brushed across his collarbone, making him quiver uncontrollably. Every gentle caress felt magnified, each kiss leaving a burning imprint on his skin.The blindfold had done more than just remove a visual barrier, it had stripped away another layer of his resistance, plunging him deeper into the experience.Yeonjun began lifting Beomgyu's shirt up to his chest, revealing the smooth, fair skin that ignited a primal hunger within him. The sight alone made him want to mark every inch with hickeys, claiming the younger boy as his own. Slowly, he traced a path of sensual kisses from Beomgyu's belly up to his chest, pausing to circle his tongue around a small nipple before taking it into his mouth and teasing it with his teeth. The intensity of the stimulation was overwhelming, causing Beomgyu to arch his back instinctively, letting out disjointed moans and whimpers that filled the room.Beomgyu wasn't supposed to react this strongly. Confusion clouded his mind as he wondered what was happening to him today.Despite his bewilderment, he couldn't help but crave more of the intense sensations. His hands, almost of their own accord, moved to Yeonjun's head, fingers threading through his hair and digging into his scalp. The feel of Yeonjun's soft hair slipping between his fingers added to the immense sensory experience. The room was thick with the scent of arousal, punctuated by the continuous sounds of Beomgyu's pleasure.Yeonjun smirked, his satisfaction growing with each reaction he elicited from Beomgyu. The drug's effects were evident. It had been Taehyun's idea to slip a packet of aphrodisiac into Beomgyu's drink while he wasn't looking. The potent drug had amplified Beomgyu's sensitivity to touch, making his body respond with an almost animalistic fervor. Every kiss, every touch sent waves of intense pleasure through him, and he was quickly becoming addicted to the sensations.Beomgyu didn't want to be reminded that the person in front of him was Yeonjun, but it was impossible to ignore the truth. He was undeniably getting aroused as well."Need help down here?" Yeonjun suddenly teased, catching Beomgyu's attention. His hand moved down and caressed the hard bulge inside Beomgyu's trousers."Nngh!" Beomgyu instantly convulsed, his hands sliding toward Yeonjun's shoulders, not to push him away but more to use as leverage to keep himself from losing control."Woah... you're already wet," Yeonjun commented amusingly as he gazed at Beomgyu's crotch. He circled his fingers over the bulge and then lifted them up, dragging a string of white liquid that connected from Beomgyu's trousers to his fingers. Beomgyu was leaking precum, and it was Yeonjun's responsibility to help him find release.Yeonjun unbuttoned Beomgyu's trousers, pulling down the zipper and reaching into the boy's underwear, which was wetter than ever. The sight of Beomgyu’s member, combined with the slickness of his precum, heightened Yeonjun’s own desire.He wrapped his fingers around Beomgyu’s length, feeling the heat and the wetness. His touch was firm but gentle, stroking slowly at first to tease Beomgyu, drawing out more of those delicious moans. Beomgyu’s breathing became erratic, his body responding eagerly to every movement of Yeonjun’s hand."Feels good, doesn’t it?" Yeonjun whispered, his voice husky with desire. He leaned down, his lips brushing against Beomgyu's ear, sending shivers down his spine. "Just let go, I’ll take care of everything."Beomgyu’s grip on Yeonjun’s shoulders tightened, his body trembling with need. The sensations were overwhelming, each stroke pushing him closer to the edge. His mind was a haze of pleasure and confusion, unable to process anything other than the strong feeling building up inside him.Beomgyu didn't do a good job of keeping his voice down, which was to be expected. Whether it was due to his heightened sensitivity or the potency of the drug coursing through his veins, or perhaps a combination of both, his whimpers and cries grew louder with each passing moment.Sensing that Beomgyu was on the brink of orgasm and wanting to ensure they didn't draw attention from anyone outside, Yeonjun leaned in and silenced him by pressing his lips against Beomgyu's in a deep, muffling kiss. The unexpected act took Beomgyu by surprise, but it also intensified the pleasure, his muffled moans vibrating against Yeonjun's mouth.The older boy's hand moved with practiced precision, stroking Beomgyu faster, his thumb brushing over the sensitive tip with each pass. Beomgyu’s hips bucked involuntarily, thrusting into Yeonjun’s hand, seeking more of that addictive pleasure. The room was filled with the sounds of their labored breaths, soft moans, and the slick, wet noises of Yeonjun’s hand working Beomgyu’s shaft.With a final, firm stroke, Beomgyu’s body tensed, "Mmghh…!!!~♡" he let out a choked cry as he came, spilling over Yeonjun’s hand and his own stomach. The release was intense, leaving him breathless and trembling, his mind blank except for the lingering pleasure. Yeonjun continued to stroke him gently, drawing out every last drop until Beomgyu was spent.Yeonjun looked down at his handiwork, a smug smile playing on his lips. He leaned down, placing a soft kiss on Beomgyu’s forehead. "Good boy," he murmured, his voice filled with affection and satisfaction.Despite being tired, Beomgyu gave Yeonjun a weary smile and reached toward the blindfold to take it off. However, Yeonjun grabbed his wrists to stop him. "Ah ah ah, we're not done yet," he reminded him playfully."Eh?" Beomgyu lifted his brows, perplexed. "Why? I've come alread—oh…"That small 'oh' was the late realization of the innocent boy. He hadn't yet fulfilled his duty to help Yeonjun, which meant the experience was far from over.Beomgyu tried to laugh it off, "U-Um, I just need to use my hands to get you off, right?"There was a brief silence, Yeonjun didn't answer his question."Right?" Beomgyu repeated, his worry creeping back up.Another awkward silence unfolded. The tension in the room thickened, making Beomgyu's heart race. He couldn't see Yeonjun's expression but he could feel the intensity of his gaze, even through the blindfold.Beomgyu's mind jumped to the worst possibility—he didn't want to believe that Yeonjun would use his butthole to relieve his lust. The thought of the pain made Beomgyu's fear spike, his body trembling uncontrollably.Sensing the younger boy's terror, Yeonjun could easily guess what he was thinking. "Don't worry, I won't go that far," he reassured softly. Beomgyu lifted his head with a spark of hope."Not yet," Yeonjun added, the final words crushing Beomgyu's fleeting hope. At least, for now, he wouldn't have to worry about losing his virginity."Come here." Yeonjun said, pulling Beomgyu to sit up and guided him off the bed, positioning him to kneel on the floor facing the bed. Opposite him, Yeonjun sat casually on the edge of the bed, his feet on the floor and legs spread wide.From his kneeling position and the creaking sound of the bed, Beomgyu could easily guess what was about to happen and what Yeonjun would ask of him. The realization made Beomgyu gulp in fear, his heart pounding in his chest.Exactly as he expected, there were sounds of a belt being undone and falling to the floor, followed by the distinct zipping sound. Beomgyu's throat felt dry at that moment. Is this really what Yeonjun wanted? Was all of this just for a simple relief?Yeonjun's voice broke the tense silence, soft yet commanding. "You know what to do," he said, his tone laced with both encouragement and an unspoken expectation.Beomgyu hesitated, wanting to escape. "Y-Yeonjun, maybe this is a bad idea after all. I think a simple hand job is enoug—""So annoying," Yeonjun cut him off, his voice low and filled with an immense irritation that was different from his usual self.Without warning, a hand gripped Beomgyu's hair and pulled it down abruptly, forcing his face upward. "Ah!" Beomgyu cried, his face contorting in pain from the sudden movement.Yeonjun leaned down close to the boy's face, whispering words that were terrifying to hear. "Just shut up and do the damn job."Beomgyu's eyes widened behind the blindfold. Was this person even his friend? The difference in demeanor was too great, too jarring.The grip on his hair tightened, pulling him closer to Yeonjun's erection. Beomgyu could feel the intensity of the other boy's need, the primal urgency in his touch. It was both frightening and strangely compelling.Beomgyu gulped again, his throat dry. He leaned in tentatively, his breath ghosting over the hot, hard length, eliciting a soft groan from Yeonjun. Beomgyu’s pulse quickened, the fear mingling with a strange sense of anticipation. He could feel the weight of Yeonjun’s gaze on him, even though he couldn’t see through the blindfold.The scent of arousal filled Beomgyu's senses. Gathering his courage, he parted his lips and took Yeonjun into his mouth, his tongue swirling steadily around the tip. Yeonjun's erection wasn't particularly large, but Beomgyu had never given someone a blowjob before, so his attempt was clearly sloppy and inexperienced.Yeonjun let out a low, satisfied hum, his hand loosening its tight grip to rest more gently on the back of Beomgyu’s head. He guided Beomgyu with a firm yet encouraging touch, pushing him to take more of his length.Beomgyu doubted he could even manage half of Yeonjun's member, but he was more afraid of his hyung's wrath than the physical challenge, so he reluctantly complied.He took a deep breath to brace himself, then opened his mouth wide, aiming to take at least two-thirds of Yeonjun’s shaft. As he tried to accommodate the girth, the tip hit his uvula, causing an involuntary gag. He pulled back quickly, his eyes watering from the sudden discomfort."Come on, Beomgyu, I know you can do it better," Yeonjun encouraged, his hand gently stroking Beomgyu’s hair in an attempt to reassure him. "I’m almost done, just a little more."Despite Yeonjun’s reassurances, Beomgyu was still hesitant, his fear of failing mingling with the discomfort. Noticing his reluctance, Yeonjun decided to soften his approach. He looked down at Beomgyu with a more vulnerable expression, his eyes filled with a mixture of pleading and gentle sadness. "Please?".Beomgyu felt a pang of guilt and determination. He didn’t want to abandon the task now, especially when they were so close to the end. With renewed resolve, he took a deep breath and steeled himself. He lowered his mouth onto Yeonjun’s member once more, managing to take a decent length into his mouth.As he started bobbing his head up and down, he focused on the rhythm, trying to maintain a steady pace. Each downward motion brought a wave of heat and pressure, but Beomgyu did his best to keep his throat relaxed and avoid gagging again. The taste and texture were unfamiliar, but he concentrated on providing the best experience he could.Yeonjun's breath quickened, and he let out a series of low, approving groans as the younger boy continued. Beomgyu’s cheeks flushed with the effort, his jaw beginning to ache, but he pushed through, determined to fulfill his role.As Yeonjun's breathing grew more erratic, Beomgyu sensed that he was nearing his peak and prepared to withdraw before the moment of climax.But then…To Beomgyu’s utter shock, the hand on his head tightened its grip once more, holding him in place. Yeonjun, ignoring Beomgyu's evident discomfort, pushed his head down, forcing him to take the entire length. Beomgyu winced in sheer pain as the tip of Yeonjun’s erection pressed harshly against the back of his throat, stretching it to accommodate the sudden intrusion. He felt an overwhelming sensation of suffocation, struggling to breathe properly.Y-Yeonjun? Beomgyu's panic surged, and he placed his hands on Yeonjun’s thighs, tapping them urgently to signal his distress. He wanted to convey that he didn’t like how things were escalating.Despite Beomgyu's clear signals, Yeonjun remained unfazed, consumed by his own pleasure. With a final, shuddering gasp, Yeonjun's body tensed, and he came. A substantial amount of liquid surged forth, and Beomgyu had no chance to pull away. The warm, thick fluid flowed down his throat, causing Beomgyu’s eyes to well up with tears as he choked.When Yeonjun's breathing finally slowed, he released his grip on Beomgyu's head. The boy collapsed onto the floor, coughing uncontrollably. Saliva and a mixture of semen dripped from his chin as he struggled to catch his breath, his body trembling from the aftershocks of the experience.Yeonjun, recognizing the need to show remorse to prevent any future awkwardness, approached Beomgyu with a worried expression. "Oh gosh! S-Sorry, Beomgyu, I got a bit carried away and pushed you too hard. Are you okay?" He offered a concerned tone as he removed the blindfold and handed Beomgyu a water bottle.Beomgyu, now with his vision restored, looked up at Yeonjun with dazed eyes, trying to reconcile the aggressive person he had just experienced with the apologetic figure before him. Despite the lingering discomfort and confusion, Beomgyu saw the genuine regret in Yeonjun’s demeanor."I’m... alright…" Beomgyu replied wearily. He took the water bottle, trying to steady his breathing and calm his racing thoughts. The apology, coupled with Yeonjun’s apparent concern, helped to ease some of the tension, though the earlier intensity still left its mark on him."Do you need to rinse your mouth before going back?" Yeonjun suggested."No, I’m fine. We should just regroup and head back to the motel," Beomgyu replied, his voice a bit shaky as he tried to sit up.Yeonjun, attempting to lighten the mood, added playfully, "Not until we clean up our mess." He gestured toward the semen on the bed and floor, which made Beomgyu’s face flush a deep red and turned his face away.They worked together to tidy up the room as best they could, making sure everything was returned to its original state before adjusting their clothes. Once they were done, they exited the room.As soon as they stepped outside, Beomgyu’s knees buckled, and he almost collapsed. The prolonged kneeling had left him weak and unsteady. Mortified by his sudden inability to stand, he was reluctant to admit his discomfort to Yeonjun.Yeonjun, though aware of the likely cause, still asked with genuine concern, "Can you walk, or do you need a piggyback ride?"Beomgyu nodded, too fatigued and embarrassed to refuse. Yeonjun offered his back, and Beomgyu climbed on, resting his head against Yeonjun’s shoulder as he was carried back. The support was a welcome relief, allowing him to focus on regaining his strength....Upon returning and regrouping with the others, Taehyun was quick to greet them. "Welcome back! There was this girl who was constantly asking around about you 20 minutes ago. Care to explain?" he teased, his eyes glinting mischievously, knowing only Yeonjun would get the joke.Beomgyu immediately hid his face behind Yeonjun’s shoulders, which did a terrible job of concealing the truth. His reaction only made it more obvious that something had happened involving Yeonjun and him.To help Beomgyu get over the group’s playful teases, Yeonjun stepped in with a casual explanation. "Beomgyu ran after me, wanting to talk. The girl gave us some privacy. She must have been looking for me when she came back and saw that I had disappeared all of a sudden."Kai, not missing a beat, chimed in with a smirk. "Oh really? Where were you then? It’s been half an hour if I recall." He glanced at Beomgyu, his smirk widening. "And speaking of which, it’s been a while since Beomgyu said he had to use the restroom."This elicited even more avoidant behavior from Beomgyu, who pressed his face further into Yeonjun’s shoulder, utterly flustered. At this point, it was clear that these sadists were feeding on Beomgyu’s reaction.Soobin, standing beside Kai, resisted the urge to rub his temples in exasperation at the boy's antics.Kai, your devious side is showing, Soobin thought, longing to voice his frustration.Although Soobin admitted to himself that he wasn't much different from the others, he at least had the decency not to make Beomgyu uncomfortable for his own amusement. If it were his turn, he wouldn’t force himself on Beomgyu.Yeonjun sighed. "Alright, guys, enough teasing. Let’s get back to the motel and relax. It’s been a long day." Ignoring the lingering questions from the others, he headed toward the door with Beomgyu on his back, prompting the rest to follow suit.Along the way, Yeonjun kept sensing a strange chill in the air, as if someone was glaring daggers at him from behind. Each time he turned his head, he was met with the angelic, albeit clearly fake, faces of the trio. It felt like they had something to say but were holding back because of Beomgyu’s presence.When they finally got back to the motel, they were informed that each member would have a separate room, which was, ironically, an improvement over their previous accommodations.Noticing Beomgyu's difficulty walking, a staff member offered to assist him with his evening routine, but he politely declined. As soon as he bid them goodnight and shut the door, he sank onto the bed, fatigue washing over him like a tidal wave.Every time he closed his eyes, the memories of the earlier incident played back in his mind like a vivid, unrelenting movie. Every detail was still sharp and clear.Beomgyu startled, surprised at how much the incident still occupied his thoughts. He tried to push it out of his mind but found it difficult. He badly wanted to understand how a simple act of helping a friend had escalated into something so intense.Technically speaking, he had crossed a boundary with Yeonjun. It was supposed to be a simple act of relief, yet it had turned into something more profound and confusing. He wondered how their friendship would be affected by this, and whether he could ever look at Yeonjun the same way again.There was still a bitter taste lingering in his mouth, a harsh reminder of the blowjob he had given Yeonjun. The recollection made him punch his pillow profusely, trying to drive the unsettling thoughts from his mind....Meanwhile, the other boys were texting each other in their separate rooms, discussing the recent incident in detail.
Soobin:
Yeonjun, we wanted to ask you this earlier.
Soobin:
How should I say this...
Soobin:
Beomgyu couldn’t walk, and you had to carry him, right?
Soobin:
So... uh...
Soobin:
We were wondering what happened to make him that way.
Taehyun:
Wow, you typed 5 times and still can't get to the point.
Kai:
Dammit! Cut the polite talk and just spit it out!
Taehyun:
I'll be frank. Yeonjun, did you go feral and fuck his brains out or something?
Soobin:
…..
Yeonjun:
The short answer is no. I just had him kneeling while giving me a blowjob, that’s all.
Kai:
What is this? Your new kink?
Yeonjun:
Sounds tempting, but no.
Taehyun:
Good. I would've chopped your dick off if that was the case.
Soobin:
... I don’t even wanna say anything at this point.
Taehyun:
Anyway, it’s my turn now.
Yeonjun:
You better let him rest for a week before doing anything.
Taehyun:
Said the one who ignored his consent.
Yeonjun:
Said the one who drugged him.
Kai:
You guys better hurry up. I’m still waiting for my turn.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
That night, Beomgyu had a nightmare.He found himself on stage with the other members, seamlessly performing their songs. The concert was everything they could have wished for—the crowd’s energy was thrilling, and everything felt perfect, just like any other show.But then, without warning, the lights flickered and abruptly went out. The glow from the fans' lightsticks faded to nothing, and the thunderous cheers of the audience dissolved into silence. It was as if the entire world had been swallowed by an endless void, a black hole stretching into infinity.Confusion gripped Beomgyu. He stopped singing, as did the others. They were all lost, unable to see anything—not even each other—yet Beomgyu remained startlingly visible, his entire body glowing eerily in the pitch-black darkness."Beomgyu? Are you there?" Yeonjun's voice echoed through the void, disorienting Beomgyu as it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.Drawn by the light radiating from Beomgyu, the other members began to move toward him, their hands reaching out as if seeking warmth from a lone, flickering flame. Beomgyu's heart pounded in his chest as hands emerged from the darkness, their presence unnerving. Instinctively, he took a step back, but one hand had already brushed against his wrist.A wave of terror washed over him as he looked down. Where the hand had touched, his sleeve began to dissolve, the fabric melting away like liquid, leaving his skin exposed."Why are you avoiding us?" Kai’s voice joined in, but it sounded warped, distorted, like a broken recording.The hands grew more desperate, clawing at him, forcing Beomgyu to retreat further until fear overtook him and he broke into a run. No matter how far or fast he went, the stage stretched on endlessly beneath his feet, and the voices of his bandmates echoed behind him, growing more distorted with every step, their words twisted into a haunting refrain, asking why he was running.His panic mounted until, in his haste, he tripped over his own foot and crashed to the ground. He scrambled to get up, but it was too late. The others had caught up, seizing his limbs and pinning him down."Got you," Taehyun's voice was sickeningly playful.Beomgyu was forced to lie there, the cold, unseen ground pressing against his back. His once-dashing outfit melted away wherever the hands touched, dissolving into nothingness. He struggled, protested, but his cries went unheard. Soon, there was nothing left to cling to. His clothes were gone, leaving him utterly naked and vulnerable in the suffocating darkness.Yeonjun climbed on top of him, while the others held him down, their grips firm and unyielding. Beomgyu thrashed, trying to break free, but it was useless. Yeonjun’s hand moved to Beomgyu's most private area, sending a jolt of panic through his body. The familiarity of the touch made Beomgyu yelp, a sound that was part fear, part something else—something his mind recoiled from but his body couldn't deny. It wasn’t his own desire, just a reflex, a betrayal of his own flesh.He wanted to scream at them to stop, to plead for mercy, but when he tried to speak, no sound came out. His voice was gone, as if stolen from him. All that escaped his lips were helpless whimpers and muffled moans. The realization hit him like a cold wave—this wasn’t real. It was a dream, a nightmare, but knowing that did nothing to ease his terror."It's okay, Beomgyu. Just relax." Soobin’s voice was gentle, almost soothing, cutting through the chaos. He wasn’t like the others, his tone held no malice, only soft encouragement. He coaxed Beomgyu to surrender, to let his body succumb to the overwhelming sensations. But it didn’t change the reality of what was happening—this was an assault, and no amount of soft words could make it anything else.Yeonjun’s hand moved rhythmically along his shaft, and despite the simplicity of the motion, Beomgyu's back arched involuntarily, his muscles tightening as he struggled against the overwhelming pleasure that surged through him. It was as though the nightmare had tapped into his deepest vulnerabilities, pinpointing exactly where he was most sensitive, and exploiting it mercilessly. Every stroke seemed to resonate far beyond what his eyes could see. Even though his vision was limited to the sight of Yeonjun's hand moving up and down, the stimulation coursing through his body was excruciatingly intense, almost unbearable.As if the situation couldn’t get any worse, Beomgyu’s eyes widened in horror as he noticed something emerging from the surrounding darkness. Eyes—hundreds, maybe thousands of them—appeared, watching him, watching them. The fans’ gazes locked onto the scene unfolding on the stage, they were the silent spectators to his humiliation. Then, the lights snapped on, illuminating everything in stark, unforgiving detail. The group were fully exposed, caught in an obscene act, with nowhere to hide.Beomgyu’s heart shattered as he lay there, exposed and violated under the harsh glare of the lights. He wanted to cry, to scream, to disappear. The shame was crushing, suffocating, reducing him to something less than human. He felt stripped of everything—his dignity, his identity as an idol—reduced to a spectacle, a cheap object of scorn.The judgment in those eyes was like daggers, piercing through him, and all he could think was that this was the end. If anyone saw this, if this secret got out, it would destroy him. His career, his life, would unravel, drowned in a flood of rumors and disgrace.It was too much for him to bear. The shame, the fear—it all crashed over him in a relentless wave, and he broke down, tears spilling from his eyes as he cried out in utter humiliation. But his cries were drowned out by the voices of the other members, their whispers growing louder, more insistent, as they chanted his name in a chilling, almost ritualistic manner."Beomgyu... Beomgyu... Beomgyu... Beomgyu..."The sound of his own name, repeated over and over, filled him with dread. It was like a mantra, something dark and twisted that only deepened his despair. He wanted it to stop, needed it to end. The nightmare was suffocating him, pulling him deeper into a pit of degradation and helplessness.No! Stop it! STOPP!!!... He screamed, but only in his mind. The words tore at his insides, desperate and raw, but they never made it past his lips.But then, just as the ritualistic chants seemed to envelop him, they began to fade, growing distant and less ominous. The sound shifted, becoming clearer, more urgent, like someone calling out to him."Beomgyu... Beomgyu!... BEOMGYU!!!"His eyes flew open at the sharp call, a gasp escaping his lips as he jolted awake. His vision was blurred at first, but as it cleared, he found himself staring up at the white ceiling of his room, and then at a familiar face hovering above him."What's wrong? Were you having a nightmare?" Taehyun’s voice was soft but laced with concern as he sat on the edge of Beomgyu's bed.The older boy didn’t respond with words. Instead, his body moved on instinct, he sat up and reached out to pull Taehyun into a tight embrace. He clung to him, still trembling, as if the remnants of the nightmare hadn’t fully released their grip on him. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t explain the terror that had just engulfed him, but in that moment, he didn’t want to. All he could do was hold on to Taehyun, desperate for the warmth and comfort of another person to anchor him back to the safety of the waking world.Sensing Beomgyu’s panic and knowing he needed comfort, Taehyun returned the hug, gently placing a hand on Beomgyu’s head and stroking his hair with a tenderness usually reserved for a crying child. But this wasn’t a child—it was his hyung, someone older, yet vulnerable in this moment."There, there... it's okay now, I’m here." Taehyun's voice was soft and soothing, each word a gentle balm that gradually slowed Beomgyu’s rapid breathing, easing the tension from his body.Finally, Beomgyu began to calm down, his breathing steadying. "Thanks, Taehyun. I’m sorry, I just... had a nightmare.""Do you want to talk about it?" Taehyun asked gently.Beomgyu’s breath hitched for a moment before he shook his head. "N-No, I’d rather not."Taehyun respected his decision without pressing further, understanding that some things are too personal to share even with close friends."I knocked on your door earlier, but you didn’t answer, so I came in. Sorry about that," he confessed."Oh, it’s fine. I must’ve been too deep in sleep to hear you, haha..." Beomgyu laughed weakly.But what he didn’t know was that Taehyun had lied through his teeth. He hadn’t knocked at all, instead, he had quietly entered without permission, aware that Beomgyu was still asleep. What he hadn’t expected, though, was the sight of Beomgyu’s pale, distressed face in the midst of a nightmare."I'm sure the other members are still asleep, we’re the only early risers after all. How about we grab some breakfast and take a stroll around the town?" Taehyun suggested.The other boy nodded, "Sounds great."After Beomgyu went through his morning routine, he followed Taehyun down the hallway to the lobby. There, the staff had set up a spread of five neatly arranged dishes—sandwiches, ideal for a simple breakfast.However, as Beomgyu’s gaze landed on the drinks station, his eyes fixated on a glass of milk. He knew it was just milk, but in his disoriented state, the sight of the white liquid triggered unsettling memories. The association was immediate and visceral, evoking a strong, unpleasant reaction. An involuntary shudder ran through him, and he felt his stomach churn.Before he could control himself, Beomgyu quickly covered his mouth, gagging as he stumbled away from the table. The sudden reaction caught everyone off guard, their faces filled with surprise as they watched him rush out of the room.Taehyun, fully aware of Beomgyu’s past trauma, saw the intense reaction to the milk as an opportunity for some teasing. He knew Beomgyu was struggling, but he figured he’d get over it eventually.When Beomgyu returned to the lobby after a few minutes, his face was still noticeably pale. The staff inquired if he was alright, and he gave his usual reassuring response, "I'm fine."As they sat down for breakfast, Beomgyu opted for tea, trying to avoid the milk that had unsettled him. Taehyun, on the other hand, purposefully reached for the glass of milk, relishing the chance to push Beomgyu’s buttons. He took exaggerated sips, holding the glass longer than necessary and deliberately letting milk drip down his chin. Every time he drank, Beomgyu found himself shoving a pile of tissues toward Taehyun in a futile attempt to clean up the mess."Thanks," Taehyun said, taking the tissues but not using them. Instead, he casually licked the milk from the corner of his mouth, making no real effort to clean his chin. The sight was clearly intended to taunt Beomgyu, pushing him further into his discomfort. Taehyun seemed to take a twisted pleasure in watching Beomgyu's reaction, thoroughly enjoying the way his friend squirmed at the sight.In a moment of distraction, Beomgyu’s fingers slipped, and his cup tumbled from his hand, spilling tea onto his thighs and soaking part of his trousers and shirt. He quickly grabbed the tissues, frantically trying to blot up the mess before it could spread."Let me help you," Taehyun offered, his voice deceptively kind. Without waiting for the other boy's approval, he reached under the table and pressed the tissues against Beomgyu’s crotch, the motion too precise to be innocent.The table covered half of their bodies, hiding the true nature of the situation from anyone else in the room. Taehyun’s hand lingered, the tissues barely a pretense as his fingers pressed firmly against the bulge in Beomgyu’s trousers.Taehyun's expression remained calm, almost casual, as he continued his subtle torment, clearly enjoying the control he had over the situation and Beomgyu’s helpless response.Beomgyu tried to suppress any sound that might escape, discreetly attempting to push Taehyun’s hand away. But his maknae, ever playful, didn’t relent. "Don’t worry, it’s almost dry," he said, his tone ambiguous. Beomgyu wasn’t sure if Taehyun was still talking about the tea, or if there was a deeper meaning behind his words.The constant rubbing grew more intense, and Beomgyu couldn’t help but react. He lowered his head, trying to hide the growing arousal that Taehyun was deliberately provoking. His erection pressed uncomfortably against his trousers, a clear sign of his body's betrayal. He wanted more, needed the pressure to release the tension building inside him. But just as he was nearing his peak, Taehyun suddenly stopped, withdrawing his hand and leaving Beomgyu in stunned disbelief."All done," Taehyun mused, though it was clear the tea hadn’t dried, and his actions had been far from innocent. He had stopped at the most crucial moment, leaving Beomgyu on the brink without relief.Beomgyu felt grateful that the ordeal was over and he wouldn’t have to face the embarrassment any longer. Yet, mingled with that relief was an unsettling sense of disappointment. A part of him had wanted Taehyun to finish what he started, a thought that shocked Beomgyu to his core. How could he crave something he so clearly despised?What’s going on with you?! Pull yourself together! He berated himself....The trio had just woken up when Taehyun took Beomgyu outside for a stroll. As they settled in for breakfast, their manager approached with a serious expression."Where did your group go last night?" he asked, his tone more interrogative than they were used to.Kai, quick on his feet, immediately lied, "We were just having drinks at a café," but Soobin discreetly kicked his foot under the table, signaling him to stop. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Soobin took a deep breath and confessed, "Actually, we went to a bar to have some fun."Yeonjun and Kai were momentarily shocked by Soobin's boldness, but they quickly understood the reasoning behind it. They had no idea if the manager had already questioned Beomgyu, and lying could easily backfire if this was a test."Why a bar?" he pressed further.Yeonjun shrugged, trying to keep the mood light. "Curiosity kills the cat. We thought it would be fun to try cocktails and other drinks instead of the usual stuff."The manager seemed to mull over Yeonjun's words, his eyes drifting downward as he processed the information. After a moment, he looked back up at them, his expression still unreadable. "Did Beomgyu order any alcoholic drink?"The trio exchanged quick, uneasy glances. The fact that the manager singled out Beomgyu immediately set off alarm bells in their minds.Why him specifically? they wondered in unison.Kai, trying to sound polite but unable to mask the underlying sarcasm, responded, "Are you worried we got ourselves drunk and someone managed to record our faces?"Their manager shook his head, rubbing his temples as if trying to fend off a headache. With a weary sigh, he urged, "Just answer me first."Leaning back in his chair, Kai casually replied, "Alright, alright. He didn’t. Taehyun told me that he and Beomgyu ordered normal drinks and just chatted."The manager’s gaze shifted to Soobin, who caught the silent cue and confirmed, "It’s true. I was there with Kai."Yeonjun, sensing the tension, leaned forward slightly. "So, can you answer our question now?"Noticing that the boys seemed relaxed and normal, the manager finally allowed himself to ease a bit, his tense shoulders dropping slightly. "Ever since you all got back last night, I’ve been skeptical about something. Beomgyu looked exhausted and was having trouble walking properly, so I wanted to ask if something happened."Kai was quick to respond. "We have no idea. He didn’t want to talk about it. Maybe you should ask him directly."But the manager noticed something unsettling in Kai's eyes—a subtle, sinister gleam that made him pause. He’d been with the group long enough to recognize when they were hiding something, but this was different. Their words seemed honest, but there was an undercurrent of deceit, like they were telling the truth but leaving out something crucial.The manager concluded their conversation swiftly, giving the impression that he was unbothered by their responses. He nodded, giving a final glance at each of the boys before walking away, as though the issue was resolved in his mind.However, beneath his calm exterior, he made a mental note to secretly investigate further. If there was indeed something wrong within the group, he needed to uncover it before it spiraled out of control. Ignoring a potential issue now could lead to serious consequences later, and he wasn’t willing to take that risk....At a small shop, Taehyun and Beomgyu were having drinks and engaged in light conversation, the kind that would seem innocent to anyone watching. Beomgyu, however, made sure to sit as far from Taehyun as possible, positioning himself on the opposite side of the table. Taehyun, of course, noticed this shy attempt at avoidance and couldn’t help but find it endearing. Despite everything that had happened earlier, Beomgyu hadn’t bolted—he was too naive for that.Beomgyu, on the other hand, couldn’t shake the tension he felt under Taehyun’s gaze, even though their chat was casual. A part of him wanted to bring up what had happened earlier, to confront Taehyun about it, but he hesitated.What if he was wrong? What if Taehyun had simply been helping him clean up the spilled tea, and he was the one who had misinterpreted everything? The thought made his stomach twist with anxiety. If that were the case, then the inappropriate feelings he’d had in that moment would make him the pervert all along, and he wasn’t sure he could handle that kind of self-revelation.Still, despite his hesitation, Beomgyu felt a strong urge to talk to Taehyun about everything. To cover his nerves, he decided to frame it as a story he had read online, confident that this excuse would keep his true intentions hidden."Taehyun," Beomgyu began, trying to sound casual, "I read this story somewhere on the internet. Oh, and just so you know, I’m not sure if it’s true or anything, okay?" He added the disclaimer quickly, hoping it would make the story seem less personal.Taehyun nodded, a content smirk playing on his lips. "Sure, go on.""So... it was about two male friends," Beomgyu went on. "They had the same career, the same schedules, and that made them really close, closer than ever, actually."Taehyun listened, propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his palm. The smirk on his face only deepened as he listened. He already knew exactly what Beomgyu was trying to hint at but said nothing, letting the older boy weave his story in a roundabout way.Beomgyu continued. "At one point, one of them felt aroused and asked his friend for help. His friend thought it was just a simple hand job and agreed, but things ended up escalating, and they... uh..." He faltered, trying to rephrase, "... accidentally crossed a boundary."Taehyun, feigning confusion, leaned in with a playful smile. "I don’t get it. Can you be more explicit?"Beomgyu’s face flushed with embarrassment. "I-I’m saying they did intimate things! And you know what those are, don’t pretend you don’t!"The maknae chuckled, clearly enjoying his hyung’s discomfort. "Sorry, sorry. What are you trying to tell me with this story?"Beomgyu averted his eyes, clearly flustered. "Um... what do you think about it?"Taehyun shrugged. "The story? It’s quite interesting."The older boy’s frustration grew. "That’s not what I meant! I want to know what you think about their relationship. Is it okay for friends to help each other, even in something like finding relief?"Beomgyu expected Taehyun to ponder the situation deeply, to reflect on it with the same confusion he’d felt regarding his own issues with Yeonjun. However, Taehyun’s response was immediate and oddly composed. "It’s actually pretty common. From what you described, those two don’t seem to have any romantic feelings for each other, so what’s the issue?"Beomgyu interjected sharply, "That’s the issue! Don’t you think it feels wrong to engage in sexual activities with a friend?"Taehyun grinned playfully, "But isn’t giving your friend a hand job the same thing? Your logic doesn’t quite add up."Beomgyu, growing more agitated, raised his voice. "Then why do you think it’s normal?! How can they still stay friends after something like that?!"Taehyun tried to calm him down, his voice soothing. "Hey, relax. You’re going to draw attention. Let me explain my point."As Beomgyu settled, Taehyun began his explanation. "First, let’s use us as an example. Is it normal for us to hold hands?" he asked, prompting Beomgyu to nod. "It’s normal, right? And what about hugging?""Still normal," the other boy confirmed."Okay, how about kissing on the cheek? It’s a bit more casual, but still acceptable," Taehyun continued. "Then there's chin grabbing. Soobin often did this with Yeonjun in 'The Killa', and fans went wild over it. It’s because that gesture is considered intimate and not exactly family-friendly."Beomgyu nodded, listening closely."But if that gesture is intimate, does it mean Soobin has feelings for Yeonjun?" The maknae asked.Beomgyu shook his head. "No, it was part of the choreography.""Exactly," Taehyun said with a smile. "Just because an action is intimate doesn’t necessarily mean there are feelings involved. Sometimes, it’s just part of what you’re required to do, and it doesn’t affect the relationship."He continued, "Applying that logic to your story, engaging in sexual activities to help a friend find relief doesn’t automatically mean it affects their relationship. It’s just a way to help."Beomgyu nodded again, though this time more slowly and with a hint of hesitation. He sensed something was off in Taehyun’s explanation but couldn’t quite pinpoint what was bothering him."For better understanding, think of their relationship as something like friends with benefits, but in a healthy way," Taehyun concluded. "There’s no exchange, just helping out."Beomgyu stared at Taehyun, his expression blank as he tried to process the explanation. If what the younger boy said was accurate, did that mean he and Yeonjun were still friends even after everything that had happened?Still grappling with confusion, Beomgyu murmured. "Taehyun, I don’t know. This doesn’t sound right."“But it's true," Taehyun replied, a devilish smirk spreading across his face. "In fact, if you ever find yourself in the same situation, I’d be happy to help you out without any strings attached."The sudden remark made Beomgyu's cheeks flush crimson. He hated how quickly he understood what Taehyun meant and felt embarrassed by the unintended but clear implication.Taehyun watched Beomgyu with amusement, plotting ways to further embarrass his hyung without drawing suspicion. Just then, a waitress arrived with a small plate of cherries, informing them that it was a complimentary dessert. Beomgyu thanked her, causing the girl to giggle and quickly retreat. Taehyun noted that she seemed to be a dedicated fan of Beomgyu.As the maknae glanced at the cherries, a mischievous idea struck him. "Hey, do you want to see a small trick?" he asked, catching Beomgyu’s attention and drawing his eyes away from the waitress.Taehyun picked up a juicy cherry from the plate and popped it into his mouth. Beomgyu watched with growing curiosity, unsure of what he was supposed to see. The other boy appeared to be taking his time, rolling the cherry around in his mouth as if searching for something, which Beomgyu guessed was the seed.Then, Taehyun opened his mouth, sticking out his tongue in an unnecessarily sensual manner. On his tongue rested the seed and the cherry stem, but what caught Beomgyu’s attention was the stem, which was tied into a knot. Taehyun had done it without using his hands.Beomgyu clapped admiringly. "Wow, how did you do that?""I used my tongue," Taehyun replied simply.Beomgyu laughed, "Yeah, I know, but it's hard to tie a knot with your tongue. It must take a lot of practice.""I was just lucky. It’s an old bar trick I picked up online," Taehyun explained. "Do you know what people say about those who can tie a cherry stem with their tongue?"Beomgyu’s curiosity was piqued. "No, what do they say?"The younger boy motioned for Beomgyu to lean in closer. He compiled, and Taehyun drew near, positioning himself close to Beomgyu’s ear as if about to share a secret. This closeness felt oddly familiar to Beomgyu, making him furrow his brows as if he had experienced something similar before.While Beomgyu was distracted, Taehyun whispered into his ear, "They're believed to be... good kissers." His smirk was almost predatory, suggesting he had no doubt about his own skills. He even imagined how he could make Beomgyu go breathless and beg for mercy if the chance ever arose.Unfortunately, Beomgyu's reaction to Taehyun’s whisper was unexpectedly subdued. He raised an eyebrow, his confusion evident as he tried to connect the idea of being a good kisser with the act of tying a cherry stem. The link seemed tenuous at best, leaving him puzzled.Sensing Beomgyu’s bewilderment, Taehyun clarified, "It’s a test of how well you can use your tongue, which has had some... sexual connotations for over a decade."Beomgyu nodded in understanding, though his lack of a blush suggested that he hadn't fully grasped the subtle hint Taehyun was trying to convey. Taehyun couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.Just then, the phone in Taehyun's pocket buzzed, signaling a new message. He pulled it out and saw that it was from the manager, instructing him to bring Beomgyu back as their schedule was about to begin. The fact that the message was sent privately struck Taehyun as odd. The manager usually communicated through the main group chat, so this direct message felt unusual.Despite the oddity, Taehyun relayed the information to Beomgyu, prompting both of them to quickly finish their drinks and prepare to head back to the motel....As their schedule indicated, it was nearly time for the highly anticipated fansign event at a large mall, set to kick off in just a few hours. The group and staff were bustling around, making final preparations when Soobin noticed something peculiar. The manager had approached Beomgyu, whispered something quickly in his ear, and then walked away without further interaction.The encounter was brief, but it left Soobin puzzled, especially when, just as the fansign was about to start, Beomgyu excused himself to the restroom. His sudden departure didn’t go unnoticed, and the other members exchanged curious glances."He must really love that restroom excuse, huh," Taehyun chuckled.Kai, always ready to push boundaries, leaned in closer and whispered to the group, "Maybe we should try public sex with him one day," his comment drawing a mix of shocked laughter and a light smack from Soobin, who couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the younger member’s audacity.But Soobin’s mind was still on the manager’s earlier interaction with Beomgyu. As someone who typically valued decorum and didn’t like to spread gossip, he found himself torn. However, not wanting Beomgyu to slip out of their collective scrutiny, he decided to quietly share what he’d seen with the others. He knew that in this tight-knit group, even small secrets could have larger implications, and he wasn’t about to let anything slide under the radar.Meanwhile, Beomgyu didn’t head to the restroom as everyone assumed. Instead, he made his way to the far end of the mall, where he met with the manager. The request to meet him there just as the fansign was about to start left Beomgyu feeling uneasy."Sir, is this really so important that it had to be kept secret?" he asked.With his arms crossed over his chest, the manager got straight to the point. "I’ve heard from the other members that you all went to a bar for some fun last night. Do you mind telling me exactly what happened?"Beomgyu’s face went pale at the manager’s question. Panic surged through him as he wondered how much the other members had revealed. His thoughts raced—what had Yeonjun said?With no clear sense of how much the manager knew, Beomgyu was at a loss, unsure how much of the truth he could afford to bend.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The fansign continued without Beomgyu, leaving his devoted fans a bit puzzled. The remaining four members assured everyone that Beomgyu had some pressing matters to attend to and would be back soon. Understanding this, Moas patiently formed another queue, hopeful for his return.Among the fans, a particular girl caught Yeonjun off guard with a personal question, "What do you think about Beomgyu?" Her straightforwardness surprised him.He had faced a similar situation once before when a Moa asked him during a livestream, 'How's Beomgyu?' Misunderstanding the question, Yeonjun thought the fan was inquiring about his type, and he awkwardly began to ramble about how Beomgyu wasn’t exactly his type, though he wasn’t too bad either. It was only after his response that he realized the fan was actually asking about Beomgyu's health. The memory of that moment still made him cringe, a perfect example of secondhand embarrassment that he wouldn't forget anytime soon.This time, however, the girl's question was more direct, and there was no mistaking her intent. She wanted to know his feelings for Beomgyu, with no subtle hints or sugar-coated words. Her boldness surprised him, though on second thought, it was probably because rumors about Beomgyu's so-called 'harem' had been circulating online. This girl might just be the tip of the iceberg, the beginning of a larger wave of chaos that could be brewing.It took Yeonjun a few seconds to contemplate her question, but he didn’t let the pause linger long enough to fuel any delusional fantasies in her mind. With a calm demeanor, he responded, "I've known him for a long time, so it's kind of obvious how close we are and how much I care about him." Yeonjun crafted his answer carefully, keeping it vague enough that she couldn’t easily decipher whether he meant it in a platonic or romantic sense.It wasn’t like she could outright ask 'Do you have feelings for him?' That kind of question would surely land her in hot water for crossing a line. Yeonjun couldn’t imagine anyone being that reckless, especially in a public setting."Do you like him romantically?" Yet, to his surprise, that’s exactly what she asked. He had clearly overestimated her sense of restraint, or perhaps underestimated her level of delusion.Her question confirmed another suspicion lingering in his mind: she was a crazy fan—or a ‘sasaeng’, as the term goes, referring to those whose obsession with their idol crosses into unhealthy territory, often leading to all sorts of problems. While this girl wasn’t the worst case he’d encountered, it was clear she hadn’t taken her ‘delulu’ pill before coming to the fansign. Yeonjun wasn't fond of interacting with fans like this, and he knew other idols and celebrities felt the same.What did she expect him to say? If he answered 'yes', would she lose her mind and start sending Beomgyu death threats? Would she try to hunt him down? Whatever her intentions, it wouldn’t end well for her, especially since the group would never stand by and let anyone harm their Beomgyu.With a slight nod, Yeonjun discreetly signaled a bodyguard to escort the girl away before she could cause a scene. As the bodyguard approached, the girl began to struggle, desperately trying to explain herself. "No! Please wait! I'm not asking with any harmful intentions! I'm not like the other sasaeng fans!"So you admit you're a crazy fan, Yeonjun thought, casting an indifferent gaze at her. He felt she was wasting time that could have been spent with other Moas who deserved it more.Luckily for her, the bodyguard was cautious, given that she was a girl. He didn’t want to use force, so he simply stood between her and Yeonjun while advising her to leave. But she wasn’t ready to give up. "If the answer is yes, please know that I'm rooting for you! I will support your relationship with him no matter what!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with sincerity.Her declaration piqued Yeonjun’s interest, if only a little. Based on her explanation, she wasn’t a sasaeng fan because she wasn’t obsessed with him or trying to invade his privacy like the typical crazy fans. Instead, she was a shipper, someone who fantasized about him and Beomgyu as a couple and wanted to see her favorite pairing become a reality. Technically, she was still obsessive and wasn’t much different from other unstable fans Yeonjun had encountered, but he found this type more tolerable, especially now that he himself had begun to harbor twisted feelings for Beomgyu."Please let me talk to her for a bit, it will be quick," Yeonjun requested of the bodyguard, who nodded in agreement, leaving the girl standing nervously in front of his desk. He began casually, lowering his voice to a quiet tone, "Are you telling the truth? That you'll support me no matter what?"The girl could barely contain her excitement at the thought of her bias trusting her wild explanation, but she managed to keep her composure. With a proud nod, she answered, "Yes! You can count on me. D-Does that mean you and Beomgyu are..."Yeonjun nodded, and the girl beamed with happiness. He knew she could become a useful tool for him. "I'll let you help me, under three conditions. What do you think?" he offered, giving her a chance to back out, though he was certain this obsessed girl would rather die than miss out on his golden offer."Yes! I'll accept any conditions!" she responded eagerly, desperate to become the one helping him."Alright," he began, "The first condition is related to a hidden truth within our group." Tilting his head towards his bandmates, he made sure she followed his gaze. "You see, all the members are obsessed with Beomgyu, not just me. So I want you to respect our multi-relationships and not interrupt when the other members are having a moment with him."The girl was visibly shocked, realizing that the rumors about Beomgyu’s harem were actually true. It struck her as bizarre that instead of fighting over Beomgyu, the group was okay with sharing him like that. However, considering she was already the 'crazy' one, it didn’t take long for her to accept this unusual truth.Yeonjun continued, "Good. My next condition is that, if possible, you disguise yourself as a different person whenever you show up, so that the staff and bodyguards won’t get suspicious." He knew this second condition was almost impossible—she’d need to have a wide array of clothes, outfits, wigs, handbags, accessories, and the like. Essentially, she’d have to be quite wealthy to pull it off.He expected this condition to be too much for her, but to his surprise, she agreed without hesitation. She confidently promised to do her best to blend in smoothly. It became clear to Yeonjun that she was fully dedicated to serving him, willing to do whatever it took. With that in mind, he moved on to the final condition."Alright, the last condition is simple," he said, pressing a finger to his lips. "You must keep our interactions a secret. If anyone finds out, I want you to take responsibility and take the fall for me. Are you willing to do that?" Though he already knew the answer, he wanted her to confirm it with her own words."Of course! I'll do anything for you!" she exclaimed eagerly. Yeonjun smirked, satisfied with her response. He had found a dedicated tool for his needs, and he felt no remorse about using her. He knew he had completely lost his mind, but he couldn’t deny the advantage she offered.Yeonjun then asked for the girl’s contact information so he could reach her when needed. Once he had her number, the bodyguard escorted her out. Taehyun immediately joined Yeonjun with a grin, clearly curious about the long interaction he had just witnessed.Yeonjun explained the situation to Taehyun, who only grinned wider at the news. "It's good to have her.""Your lack of reaction is impressive," Yeonjun remarked, amused."As long as no one becomes a hindrance, why should I be shocked?" Taehyun replied cheekily."You know," Yeonjun continued, flashing a smirk, "I used to think Kai was the freakiest member because of how casually he talks about dirty stuff out of the blue. But now, seeing how you handle this situation so nonchalantly, I'm starting to worry about Beomgyu."The younger boy chuckled, "Why’s that?""Dunno, you just seem like you have a lot of kinks," Yeonjun said, shrugging."Well," Taehyun began, "I definitely don't like vanilla sex. It’s boring to just stick it in and finish. You hardly feel anything after an orgasm, so I prefer to prolong the experience as much as I can.""I feel like I know where this is going," Yeonjun said, rubbing his temple as his concern for Beomgyu deepened. He decided to offer some advice to his maknae. "Taehyun, as someone who’s seen Beomgyu’s reaction firsthand, I should let you know that he’s very sensitive down there. So whatever you plan to do, don’t push his limits."Taehyun responded with a mocking tone, "Said the guy who deep-throated him without his consent." He sighed, "Yeonjun, the only mistake you made was telling me that Beomgyu’s body is sensitive. Now I’m debating whether I should wait a whole week.""You should," the older boy confirmed. "It’s necessary for him to recover from what happened last night.""You traumatized him and expect me to wait for his recovery? Wow, how convenient for you," Taehyun countered sarcastically."It's because I know full well that Beomgyu will go through hell with you!" Yeonjun exclaimed. "An average sex session lasts about 10 to 40 minutes, and Beomgyu already felt overwhelmed. If you prolong it, how can he handle it?"Taehyun blinked, looking slightly perplexed. "I'm gonna ignore how you know about the average sex duration. Hmm... I won’t make it too long, probably just between an hour to an hour and a half at most."Yeonjun interrupted, "Do you have godly stamina or what?! That's insanely long!"Taehyun reassured him, "Relax, I’m not gonna put my cock in his hole or anything. Just... edging him a bit to prolong the experience.""I knew it," Yeonjun sighed exaggeratedly. "He’ll faint before you can go further.""He won’t," the younger boy said confidently. "I’ll make sure to keep the stimulation mild enough to make him whimper and crave more.""Yep, you're definitely the freakiest one." Yeonjun concluded."Do you think I should strangle him lovingly while at it? A little breath play is fun," Taehyun's suggestion earned him a hard smack on the head from his hyung. The impact was enough to prompt the boy to drop the wild idea, though he still complained, "Oh come on, it’s not wrong to spice up your sex life. It might even unlock more kinks."Yeonjun sighed, "Fine… do whatever you want with him, just don't go too far," he advised one last time before they both noticed a line of Moas patiently waiting for their interaction to end. With that, they turned back to their respective tasks....Meanwhile, in the dimly lit corridor at the back of the mall, Beomgyu was battling an internal storm. His manager had asked a seemingly innocent question, but it had sent Beomgyu spiraling into panic. He could feel the cold sweat trickling down his back, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest.Every fiber of his being screamed for him to stay calm, to find a solution that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. Yet, despite his desperate efforts to keep his composure, his mind was a jumbled mess, cycling through potential excuses, none of which seemed convincing enough.But in reality, Beomgyu had already lost the moment his face drained of color. The manager didn’t need words; Beomgyu’s expression said it all. It was as if the truth had spilled from him without a single word being spoken.The manager, who knew the group all too well, found it almost disappointingly easy to read Beomgyu’s reaction. He hadn’t expected a different outcome; Beomgyu was, after all, an open book—at least to someone who knew him this well.Despite Beomgyu being the catalyst for his suspicion, the manager couldn’t shake the feeling that the boy wasn’t actually responsible for whatever trouble was brewing. It was more likely that Beomgyu was just caught in the middle of something beyond his control.Still, a small part of him wondered if the boy might be feigning his naivety, trying to manipulate the situation by playing up his vulnerability. But the manager dismissed the thought just as quickly as it had come. He knew Beomgyu well enough to understand that this level of anxiety wasn’t something that could be faked.Beomgyu's naivety seemed to exceed that of a child, not because he lacked knowledge, but because he was so easily read, manipulated, and controlled. This observation left the manager with a deep concern for him. It wasn’t the first time he had encountered young idols brimming with innocent dreams, only to watch them slowly harden over time as they faced the harsh realities of their careers. But Beomgyu was different.Most idols started out as bright, blank canvases, their ambitions pure and undisturbed. Yet, as they journeyed through the industry's tough and often hurtful experiences, they were forced to mature, sometimes even abandoning their innocent selves just to survive. But Beomgyu still retained that childlike innocence, even after years in the spotlight.He was the one who could light up any room, lift spirits when times were tough, and offer a refreshing sense of youthful exuberance that was increasingly rare in the industry. The manager wasn't immune to this charm; in fact, he appreciated Beomgyu’s ability to uplift those around him, himself included.However, it was precisely because of this that the manager’s concern deepened. What could have happened to make a boy so naturally cheerful become so visibly anxious and withdrawn? The thought gnawed at him, leading him to consider the unthinkable: maybe the problem wasn’t external at all. Perhaps the trouble was brewing within the group itself, with Beomgyu somehow at its center.The idea was wild and implausible, but not entirely impossible. His mind drifted back to the peculiar incidents that had unfolded in recent days. It started innocuously enough during one of their practice sessions. The members seemed unusually drawn to Beomgyu, closing the distance between them more than the choreography demanded. Their interactions disrupted the practice, causing them to miss beats and fumble through routines that were usually second nature.Then there was the scene in front of the hotel, an event that still perplexed him. Taehyun had made an odd declaration that Beomgyu 'belonged to the group', followed by Kai's sudden, unprompted kiss on Beomgyu's cheek, which had only added to the odd atmosphere.The pattern persisted at their concert. The group constantly mentioned Beomgyu, trying to pull him into the conversation at every opportunity. Their dynamic had shifted in a way that felt forced, unnatural.But the final straw was Beomgyu’s request to change the seating order after the concert ended. He had insisted on sitting next to Soobin, his fear palpable. It wasn’t just a simple preference; it was as if he needed the leader’s presence to anchor him, to shield him from some unseen threat.As the memories stacked up, the manager felt a chill run down his spine. He had been too caught up in his own struggles, battling a mental breakdown and a headache, to see what was happening right under his nose. It was as if Beomgyu was at the center of something that none of them fully understood, something that had altered the dynamic of the entire group.For now, the manager decided to give Beomgyu the benefit of the doubt, considering him more of a victim than a culprit. If the boy was indeed hiding something, it could potentially ruin his career, which might explain his reluctance to talk.To diffuse the mounting tension in the corridor, he spoke up, "Forget what I asked earlier. I was just concerned about any potential scandal that might arise if the group had been seen drinking alcohol, especially if fans found out. That wouldn’t reflect well on the company."Beomgyu’s response was immediate. "N-No, Sir! I wouldn’t do anything like that!"The manager held up a hand, cutting off Beomgyu’s flustered defense. "I didn’t imply that you would. Just be cautious, alright?"As Beomgyu nodded vigorously, the manager’s mind was already shifting gears. He resolved to investigate the other members more thoroughly....When Beomgyu finally returned to the fansign, a wave of his dedicated fans surged forward, abandoning their previously orderly queue. Their cheers and excitement created a chaotic scene, and Beomgyu was fortunate that the bodyguards were there to shield him from being overwhelmed. Without their presence, the sheer force of the crowd might have swept him away.Since Beomgyu had missed the beginning of the fansign, his devoted fans had stacked up to nearly a hundred, all eager to see him. He had no choice but to hasten through his interactions with them—talking, shaking hands, exchanging gifts, and answering questions. Some of those questions, however, were unsettlingly personal. They probed into his type, his ideal partner, his favorite TXT member, and even how he would react if he had a harem.Beomgyu struggled to navigate these invasive queries, trying his best to give polite, yet vague answers to avoid any potential trouble. Fortunately, the bodyguards were vigilant, stepping in whenever they noticed discomfort on his face, ensuring the event concluded peacefully.After the fansign ended, Beomgyu's weariness was evident. The manager, noticing his exhaustion, approached him with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, watching closely as Beomgyu forced a smile and nodded in response. This simple gesture reassured the manager, solidifying his belief that Beomgyu wasn't the one responsible for the recent chaos within the group. The boy seemed to still be his usual self, making it difficult to imagine him being at the center of anything nefarious.On the other hand, the manager’s suspicions about the other four members only grew stronger. Their behavior had been off, subtly different, and most of the recent incidents seemed to involve them in some way. The shift in how they treated Beomgyu hadn’t gone unnoticed, and it worried him.He decided it would be wise to keep Beomgyu within his sight as much as possible while he discreetly investigated the other members. He didn’t want to take any chances—if something were to happen while he wasn’t looking, it could be disastrous.For several hours after that, the manager kept a vigilant eye on the boys, scrutinizing every interaction. He paid close attention to their dynamics, comparing the present with the past, searching for any signs of change or unease. He even made a concerted effort to look each member in the eye, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything suspicious—a telling gaze, a nervous tic, anything that might betray them.But ironically, everything seemed perfectly fine that afternoon. Practice sessions went smoothly with no errors, there were no awkward touches or overly affectionate hugs, and none of the boys exhibited any abnormal behavior. It was as if the very moment he decided to channel his inner 'Sherlock Holmes', the group had reverted to their usual selves.The manager couldn't help but feel a deep sense of frustration. It was as though the universe was mocking him, making him feel like a fool for being so harsh and overly analytical. He had scrutinized every tiny detail, convinced that something was off, only to find absolutely nothing. The whole situation felt like a cruel joke, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was the punchline."Sir! I have some not-so-good news," a staff member panted as she hurried over to him."What is it?" he asked, his furrowed brow showing no signs of relaxing."The subway is currently packed with people. It's more crowded than usual, and I don't think we can take it in this situation," she explained, her voice tinged with concern. "If we can't get on the train, we won't be able to make it back on time, and our entire schedule will need to be rearranged."The manager paused, weighing their unfortunate situation. They had planned the schedule down to the last detail, ensuring the subway wouldn’t be crowded until late afternoon. Yet, here they were, faced with a completely packed train during what should have been a quieter time. The thought of falling behind schedule again was infuriating. It wouldn’t look good if they had to report another delay to the higher-ups; in their world, time was money, and this was a costly hiccup.After a brief moment of contemplation, the manager made up his mind. Rearranging the schedule was not an option—it would cause a ripple effect of delays that they couldn’t afford. They would have to deal with this setback head-on.He quickly gathered everyone around, his voice firm and resolute as he announced his decision. "We can't afford to fall behind schedule again," he declared. "So we'll have to squeeze ourselves onto that train, no matter what."The staff all agreed with the manager's point of view, and they proceeded to the subway as planned. However, what the manager had severely underestimated was just how impossibly crowded the place would be. He had anticipated the subway to be at full capacity, but in reality, there wasn’t even enough space to breathe, let alone stand or sit comfortably.As soon as the train pulled up and the doors slid open, the real horror began. The crowd surged forward like a relentless tide, pushing those in front of them with an almost desperate urgency to get inside. The staff and TXT members barely had time to stand their ground before they were swept up in the wave of bodies, jostled and shoved as everyone scrambled to board the train first.In the chaos, the staff and manager were separated, each person finding themselves stuck in different corners of the impossibly tight train, unable to move from their spot. Fortunately, TXT members were quick to react, instinctively tightening their grips on each other to ensure they didn’t get separated. Yet, despite their efforts, they still found themselves in a tight spot—literally. The thought of being apart from one another was distressing, but it paled in comparison to the horror of losing sight of Beomgyu. The mere idea of him being swallowed up by the crowd was enough to make them bite their lips until they bled.Their first instincts were clear—hold onto Beomgyu and shield him from the chaos. They knew they had to protect him from being jostled, tripped, or pushed around in the crush of bodies.But now that they were finally inside the train, their positions became the first thing they noticed. Beomgyu was the most unfortunate, with his back pressed hard against the train window, while the other four members were squished against him in a protective huddle.Despite the unfortunate ordeal, Taehyun couldn’t help but see the situation as an oddly perfect opportunity for some discreet teasing. Earlier, with the manager's eyes on them, he had held back, but now that the manager was out of sight and no staff members were around, the possibilities seemed endless. As long as he could keep Beomgyu quiet, he could get away with anything.With a dark glint in his eye, Taehyun turned to the other three members, smirking as he whispered just loud enough for them to hear, "Cover us." Those two words were all it took to convey his intentions, and the trio quickly understood, their expressions shifting as they adjusted themselves. They subtly shifted their positions to form a barrier that concealed Taehyun and Beomgyu from the view of any prying eyes.Beomgyu felt a surge of unease as his friends closed in around him, particularly because Taehyun was now the closest. The maknae pressed his body against Beomgyu's, his arms positioned on either side of Beomgyu's head, palms braced against the glass. Trapped within this tight circle, Beomgyu's discomfort grew.He didn’t particularly mind being in close quarters, but something about this setup was distinctly uncomfortable. Taehyun’s face was now pressed against his shoulder, his lips hovered near Beomgyu's neck and ear, even through the fabric of his face mask. The sensation sent shivers down Beomgyu’s spine, an unwelcome mix of familiarity and uncertainty swirling within him. It didn’t help that Taehyun’s thigh had somehow ended up between Beomgyu’s legs, pressing against him in a way that was far too familiar, stirring a sense of déjà vu that Beomgyu desperately wanted to ignore.He wanted to ask Taehyun to move just a bit to create some breathing room, but the trio had already closed in, forming a tight barrier around them. Their positioning effectively trapped Beomgyu and Taehyun in a confined circle, making it impossible for Beomgyu to escape the encroaching proximity."S-Sorry, Beomgyu, I think I'm stuck here," Taehyun mumbled sheepishly, attempting to sound innocent despite the mischief brewing in his mind. Beomgyu, though uncomfortable, tried to reassure him."It's fine, we can't do anything about this situation anyway," he said."How long until we arrive?" Taehyun asked, his voice laced with false nonchalance."About 15 minutes, I presume," Kai responded.Not enough time, Taehyun thought with a hint of disappointment. But if he was only getting 15 minutes, he was determined to make every second count.As the train jolted and passengers shifted to find space, Taehyun seized each opportunity to press his thigh deeper into Beomgyu's lower body, his movements subtle enough to pass as accidental. The older boy felt the familiar sensation and let out a puzzled 'Huh?' while furrowing his brows.Yeonjun, observing the scene, realized that waiting for the train to shake wasn’t enough for Taehyun. He decided to help by subtly pushing his friend’s body further into Beomgyu, making it appear as though the space was impossibly tight or that the crowd behind them was in disarray.Catching on to Yeonjun’s hint, Taehyun silently thanked his bandmate and focused on his confused hyung. He lifted his thigh higher, brushing against Beomgyu’s crotch in a way that forced the older boy onto the tips of his toes in an attempt to escape. But balancing like that was unsustainable, and Beomgyu soon found himself sinking back down, inadvertently ending up as if he were sitting on Taehyun's thigh. The intimate position left Beomgyu even more uncomfortable, a flush creeping up his ears as he tried to make sense of what was happening.Each time the train swayed, the trio around them adjusted their stances, ensuring that Beomgyu had no escape, while Taehyun's subtle but deliberate actions continued, hidden from the world by the human barrier the members had formed.Beomgyu couldn’t help but think that things might have been even worse if Taehyun wasn’t wearing a face mask. But that was just a thought because, even with the mask, the feeling of Taehyun’s subtle breath against his neck was already enough to add a layer of sensuality.Taehyun’s thigh, rubbing and circling against Beomgyu’s private part in perfect rhythm with the train's movements, quickly pushed the older boy toward the edge of ecstasy. Beomgyu’s breathing became more potent, his chest rising and falling rapidly as his body trembled with a mix of pleasure and frustration. Instinctively, his hands crept up to Taehyun's back, gripping the fabric of his shirt in a desperate attempt to steady himself. This was a signal Taehyun had been waiting for—confirmation that his hyung was becoming aroused, just as he intended.Unlike Yeonjun, who might have pushed Beomgyu to his climax without hesitation, Taehyun had a different approach. He would bring Beomgyu close, then cruelly lower his thigh or stop the motion altogether, denying him the release he so desperately sought. It was a vicious cycle—bringing Beomgyu to the brink of pleasure, only to take it away, then repeating the process again and again."Hah... hah..." Beomgyu’s breath was erratic, each gasp filled with mounting desperation. He wanted the stimulation to end, for the overwhelming tension to break, but Taehyun's relentless teasing tested his patience. Beomgyu’s body, betraying his resolve, began to move on its own, lowering to meet Taehyun's thigh."Taehyun... please..." he quietly murmured, his voice shaky and strained. The words were ambiguous, leaving it unclear whether he was begging for the younger boy to stop or to continue. But his body's actions spoke louder than his words, pressing against Taehyun, seeking more of the sensation that was driving him mad.Taehyun smirked under his mask, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. He could feel Beomgyu’s need, his yearning for more despite the internal conflict raging within him. It was intoxicating, having this power over his hyung, knowing that every small movement could either grant relief or further stoke the flames of his arousal.But Taehyun wasn't done playing yet. He continued his teasing, rubbing Beomgyu in the most torturous way possible, ensuring that the older boy would be left teetering on the edge of bliss without ever fully reaching it. It was a game—a test of how far he could push Beomgyu before he broke. And from the way Beomgyu clung to him, breathless and trembling, Taehyun knew he was winning.If Beomgyu truly desired that elusive climax, he would have to earn it. And he did. After enduring relentless teasing, his hips began to move on their own, driven by a desperate need that overrode his usual self-control. Each movement was instinctual, driven by the burning desire to find release, his body pressing more fervently against Taehyun's thigh as if it was the only anchor in a storm of overwhelming sensation.Taehyun decided to test just how far Beomgyu was willing to go. He lowered his leg slightly, creating a frustrating gap between them. But the older boy’s response was immediate—his grip on Taehyun's back tightened almost painfully, a silent plea that spoke volumes about his desperation. It was clear how badly Beomgyu wanted to reach that peak, so Taehyun decided to reward his hyung's efforts.He kept his thigh firmly in place, allowing Beomgyu to continue his needy grinding, only occasionally adjusting his position to intensify the friction or circling the boy's crotch to keep him at the edge. But beyond those minimal movements, Taehyun simply let Beomgyu work for his release, observing with perverse satisfaction as the older member practically rode his thigh like an animal in heat, driven purely by the primal urge to find satisfaction.Taehyun could soon feel his thigh growing damp from Beomgyu’s movements, a clear sign that the older boy was on the brink of orgasm. Recognizing that their time was running short, Taehyun decided to forego the teasing and help Beomgyu reach his climax. He began to rub his thigh more urgently against Beomgyu’s crotch, the friction intensifying with every motion. Beomgyu’s breathing quickened, his teeth gritted in anticipation as the pleasure built up.Just as he was about to let out an audible moan, Taehyun acted swiftly, covering his hyung’s mouth with his hand. Beomgyu’s cry was muffled, the sound escaping as a desperate, stifled moan. His grip on Taehyun’s shirt tightened, the fabric crumpling under his fingers as he reached his peak, a muted "Mmph!" escaping his lips.The trio did their best not to interrupt Taehyun’s 'business', but despite their efforts, they couldn't help but steal glances at Beomgyu’s aroused expression. It stirred something within them, a flicker of sadistic pleasure that was hard to ignore. Soobin managed to suppress these urges, keeping his focus elsewhere, but Yeonjun and Kai made no such effort, their eyes glinting with barely concealed mischief as they watched the scene unfold.Just then, a brief chime echoed through the train, followed by an announcement over the loudspeaker: "We have arrived at your destination. Passengers disembarking should check their belongings, move carefully, and avoid making noise or pushing others."The crowd began to shuffle out in an orderly fashion, the cramped space inside the train eased, granting a slight reprieve from the earlier congestion.Realizing that the staff and manager were making their way toward them, the group quickly disentangled themselves. Taehyun stepped back, allowing Beomgyu to stand upright, though the older boy was visibly unsteady on his feet, his body still trembling from the intense experience.The staff diligently counted each member as they exited the train, ensuring no one got lost in the bustling crowd. The manager, ever observant, was quick to notice the faint flush on Beomgyu's face. His sharp eyes narrowed in concern, "Beomgyu, what's wrong? Did something happen on the train?" he asked.Beomgyu’s reaction was immediate and predictable—he shook his head, a little too quickly, a telltale sign that he was hiding something.The manager wasn't entirely convinced, he offered, "If you're not feeling well, you can rest while the others continue with the schedule."Before Beomgyu could respond, Yeonjun stepped in smoothly, "No need, Sir. He was just overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen on the train. He's okay now." Beomgyu quickly nodded in agreement.But the manager wasn’t easily fooled; in fact, he had been watching the group closely since they boarded the train. While it was difficult to see everything clearly from a distance, he had noticed the trio suddenly forming a barrier around the other two members, as if to shield them from view.And if his suspicions were correct, it meant that Beomgyu’s trousers hadn’t yet dried—a detail the manager felt compelled to verify. With a resolve that bordered on reckless, he reached out toward Beomgyu’s lower part, intending to test his theory.However, before his hand could make contact, Soobin’s reflexes kicked in. He swiftly caught the manager’s wrist, his grip firm and unyielding. "Sir, where are you touching him?" Soobin’s voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp. The staff had already noticed the manager’s intrusive gesture, and their expressions grew perplexed.The man responded with a nonchalant firmness, "I have my reasons. Why?"Kai interjected coldly, "Can you tell us what those reasons are? Because I don’t think it’s appropriate to do that in any situation."Great... now I've become the freaky one, the manager thought, biting back a curse that threatened to escape.His frustration simmered beneath a veneer of calm, but he couldn’t ignore the glaring reality before him. The boys’ unified, defensive reaction had confirmed what he feared most—Beomgyu had been molested.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Learning the dark truth about TXT didn’t ease the manager’s headache; if anything, it only intensified his stress, weighing him down like a boulder on his shoulders. This was the worst possible scenario—one that could shatter the members' careers in an instant. Just a whisper of rumors could wreak havoc, but if solid evidence made its way to the media, their downfall would be inevitable.From the very first day the boys stepped into the world of idols, one of the strictest rules drilled into them was to avoid romantic entanglements at all costs—regardless of gender. The industry was unforgiving; idols existed to chase their dreams, to be there for their fans, to honor their company, their families, and their friends—anything but romantic partners. That was just how the idol world operated, a rigid code that had been in place for years.No one wanted to see idols entangled in bad rumors or scandalous headlines; it was a disaster for everyone involved. For the manager, who had genuinely cared for TXT since day one, the thought of the group going astray was unbearable. He would have done anything to protect them, not out of selfishness, but for their sake, and for the good of everyone who supported them.But now, after uncovering this horrifying truth, he could barely keep himself from collapsing. This situation was a hundred times worse than any romantic scandal. This was about sexual assault and grooming—serious social crimes that could ruin the lives of ordinary people, let alone a group of idols on the cusp of a bright future. The manager could hardly begin to fathom the catastrophic fallout that could follow if this ever came to light.One question gnawed relentlessly at the manager’s mind, demanding an answer more than any other: Why had such criminal thoughts even crossed the members' minds? What could have possibly led them to act on these twisted instincts, seemingly without a shred of guilt or shame?This might explain Beomgyu's escalating anxiety. It became painfully clear that he was being coerced, manipulated into actions that left him feeling deeply ashamed. The more the other members pushed him, the more visibly uncomfortable he became, until eventually, his once-vibrant demeanor turned meek and withdrawn. He was living in constant fear that these sickening truths might come to light.As the manager grappled with this grim realization, another troubling question surfaced: Just how far had they gone? The members had been displaying increasingly abnormal behaviors in recent days, but it was unclear when this had started or to what extent they had pushed Beomgyu.The manager’s thoughts drifted to an incident earlier that morning. He remembered Beomgyu suddenly stumbling away from the table, making a beeline for the restroom, his face drained of color. The expression on Beomgyu's face when Taehyun drank milk stuck in his mind. It's possible that the sight of the milk had triggered something in him, something deeply traumatic.It didn’t take long for the manager to connect the dots. The sickening realization dawned on him: Beomgyu had been involved with semen in one way or another.It was either his first time, which had left him deeply traumatized, or he had been subjected to it so often that the mere sight of anything resembling that white liquid now brought a flood of bitter memories. The manager leaned toward the first possibility, praying it was the truth. If it wasn't—if things had gone that far—there might be no saving them.Regardless, he knew he had to act quickly. He needed to confront the group and put an end to this before it spiraled even further out of control. His only hope was that somewhere within the boys, their sense of guilt and logic still remained, enough to bring them back from the brink and make them realize just how far they had strayed....Amid the tense atmosphere between the manager and TXT members, a staff member interrupted, reminding everyone of their schedule and insisting that any unresolved matters could be addressed later. The group reluctantly complied, proceeding with their day as planned, until they finally had a moment to check their phones and open their group chat.
Soobin:
I don’t know if you guys noticed, but I think the manager might’ve figured out our secret.
Taehyun:
Well, duh. We all saw it coming, it’s not exactly a secret anymore.
Kai:
Yeah, the rumors have been spreading like wildfire online. I’m honestly surprised you’re the only one who didn’t catch on.
Soobin:
Hey! The manager knows now! How are you all so calm?!
Yeonjun:
What can we do about him anyway? It’s not like we can just make him disappear.
Kai:
Right. He's been pretty useful to us, it would be a waste to get rid of him.
Soobin:
THAT’S NOT THE POINT!!!
Soobin:
And how can you even think about something so messed up?!
Kai:
Oh, cut the crap, Soobin. Don’t start preaching when you’re just as guilty as the rest of us.
Taehyun:
Now, now, Kai, don’t be so harsh. It’s good to have him as the voice of reason. Otherwise, who knows, we might've acted on that idea sooner or later.
Yeonjun:
I agree. Resorting to murder right away would be foolish. It would only show how desperate and shallow we are, like we couldn’t come up with a better solution without causing chaos.
Kai:
Huh, fair enough. Killing him would be like admitting defeat.
Yeonjun:
We can figure out a solution later. The manager’s not going to expose us right away. He’ll probably try to talk us down first. Anyway, isn’t it Soobin’s turn now?
Taehyun:
Hold on, I’m not done with Beomgyu yet.
Kai:
What?! Wasn’t the whole thing on the train enough?
Taehyun:
It doesn’t count unless I have my climax, right?
Yeonjun:
This isn’t fair, Taehyun. It will take you forever to get to that point.
Soobin:
Huh? Why? Is he sick or something?
Yeonjun:
Nope, he’s just the type who likes to drag it out by not letting his partner cum freely.
Yeonjun:
So instead of… you know, normal sex, he'll edge the hell out of Beomgyu until the poor guy’s about to pass out.
Kai:
That’s a dirty move! When’s it gonna be MY turn then?!
Soobin:
More like, when are you guys gonna let Beomgyu actually rest?
Taehyun:
And when are you gonna admit you're dying to fuck him, Soobin?
Soobin:
Hey! Stop making assumptions!!!
Taehyun:
If not, then I can take my sweet time, right?
Kai:
OH HELL NO YOU DON’T!!!
Yeonjun:
ENOUGGHHH!!!!!!
Kai:
Typo.
Yeonjun:
I was expressing my rage, dumbass!
Yeonjun:
Here’s the deal, Taehyun. We’ll help you one more time, but you’ve got an hour, max. If you go over that, one of us is stepping in.
Taehyun:
Come on, I’ve put in a lot of effort to make Beomgyu believe that hooking up with friends is totally normal. Can’t you cut me some slack?
Yeonjun:
Nope. Now spill your idea.
Taehyun:
Fine…
After a long and exhausting day, everyone finally returned to the hotel. It was their usual routine—unwind for a few hours before bedtime, with the freedom to roam as long as they returned by the designated time. The manager, although uneasy, had no valid reason to keep the boys confined indoors, so he reluctantly allowed them their bit of liberty.Then came Taehyun’s unexpected suggestion: he proposed that Beomgyu and Kai stay behind at the hotel while Yeonjun and Soobin went out to enjoy themselves. The manager’s suspicions were immediately piqued. He fully expected that the others would try to coax Beomgyu into joining them, a ploy that would likely lead to situations he wanted to avoid. He had been prepared to follow them if it came to that, to ensure Beomgyu’s safety. But oddly enough, the situation unfolded differently this time. Beomgyu remained at the hotel, well within the manager’s watchful gaze.With Yeonjun and Soobin out of the picture, the trio gathered in Taehyun’s room. They passed the time playing video games and chatting away, their laughter echoing through the open door. From the outside, it seemed like their bond had never been stronger, as if nothing had ever disrupted their friendship. The door was left ajar, giving the manager a clear view of the boys whenever he walked by, reassuring him that all was well.For about forty minutes, everything remained calm and uneventful. The manager, feeling somewhat at ease, decided it was safe to tend to his own matters, convinced that Beomgyu’s presence in the hotel meant there was nothing to worry about.Once the manager finally stopped hovering, Kai nudged Taehyun lightly with his elbow, signaling the coast was clear. Taehyun got the hint immediately and pulled out his phone, he muttered, "I wonder what our hyungs are up to right now."Beomgyu arched an eyebrow, "Let's call them," he suggested, though he soon realized Taehyun was already a step ahead, phone in hand and dialing."Yeah," Taehyun replied, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his lips. Instead of bringing the phone to his ear like he usually would, he switched on the speaker and let it ring, the sound filling the room. Beomgyu noticed this subtle change but didn’t think much of it.After a few rings, an unfamiliar voice, likely a middle-aged man, answered, "Hello?"All three boys froze, though only Beomgyu was truly shocked. Taehyun, feinting his surprise, was about to question the man when the stranger offered an explanation first, his tone apologetic as he explained what had happened.As it turned out, both Yeonjun and Soobin had wandered into the man’s nightclub earlier that evening. He was the bartender there, and he recounted how they had settled at the bar and ordered ten bottles of soju—a choice that made him wary, given the strength of the drink. Despite his reservations, he served them. They managed to get through nearly four bottles before both of them passed out on the counter, dead drunk. Clearly, they were lightweight drinkers.The bartender confessed that he had been at a loss over what to do with the two boys when he heard a faint vibrating sound. It took him a moment to locate the phone in one of their pockets, and without much thought, he decided to answer it, leading to this unexpected call.The bartender then gave them the name of the nightclub, urging the trio to come and collect their drunken friends as soon as possible.Just as he finished speaking, one of the boys at the bar twitched, slowly raising his head with a groggy expression. As he ran a hand through his tousled hair, the bartender couldn’t help but wonder if this boy was an idol or something. It wasn’t often he saw someone this strikingly handsome stumble into this place.In his drunken state, Yeonjun suddenly snatched the phone back, pressing it to his ear with an overly cheerful grin. "It’s finnnne," he slurred, "I can take care of Sooooju, no need to come here."The bartender frowned, assuming Yeonjun was so out of it that he’d mixed up his friend’s name with the bottle of soju. But Beomgyu knew better. Yeonjun had intentionally mispronounced Soobin's name, a clever move to protect their identities in case there were fans or onlookers nearby.Yet, even as he recognized Yeonjun’s quick thinking, another thought nagged at Beomgyu’s mind. Did Yeonjun just say he would take care of Soobin?The bartender sighed, gently taking the phone back from Yeonjun. "Anyway," he continued, his tone firm but polite, "Please come here quickly. There’s another issue your friends have caused that needs to be dealt with."The trio nodded in agreement and promised to head to the nightclub without delay. As the call ended, Kai immediately suggested, "Should we let the staff and the manager know about this?"Beomgyu’s response was swift and vehement. "No!" he blurted out, his cheeks reddening at his own outburst. But Taehyun and Kai exchanged knowing looks, clearly amused by how easily Beomgyu could be manipulated.Beomgyu took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "It’s better if we handle this ourselves," he explained, "Involving the staff or the manager would just complicate things and could draw unwanted attention."The real reason behind Beomgyu's insistence was his fear of their secret being exposed. He was anxious that Yeonjun might take advantage of Soobin while he was unconscious, especially since the nightclub had plenty of rooms for couples. The thought of Yeonjun, who had previously flirted with girls at the bar and even suggested intimate scenarios with Beomgyu, now targeting Soobin, made Beomgyu’s stomach churn.Without further discussion, the trio left the hotel discreetly, making their way to the nightclub. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the sight of Yeonjun and Soobin slumped over the bar, both deeply asleep. The crowd’s eyes were drawn to the two figures, but fortunately, none of them reconized the members' real identities.The bartender briefly summarized the situation one more time before directing their attention to a list of club rules posted on a nearby drink shelf.One rule, in particular, stood out: customers were required to finish their drinks and food on the premises. If they couldn’t finish, they could offer their leftovers to others, but they were not allowed to take any food or drinks out of the club, attempt to return them, or throw them away. The rule was designed to prevent wastage and ensure that all purchased items were consumed.The bartender set six bottles of soju on the counter, urging the trio to finish them at their own pace. "Take your time," he said, "But make sure these bottles are empty before you leave. If each of you drinks two, it’ll balance out."Beomgyu’s anxiety spiked as he considered the possibility of them all ending up unconscious on the bar. He worried that they might collapse in a drunken heap and not be able to get everyone back in time. However, he remembered that Taehyun and Kai could handle their liquor relatively well, so it might be manageable with their help.As they settled into their seats, Beomgyu’s phone began vibrating in his pocket. He slipped away to a more private spot to answer the call.Taehyun observed with a smirk, "It’s probably the manager."Kai, pouring soju into a glass, grinned. "How can you be so sure?" He handed the glass to his hyung.Taehyun accepted it and swirled the liquid around, savoring the aroma. "Think about it," he said. "Who else would be this worked up over Beomgyu’s sudden disappearance? The staff wouldn’t care much."Kai glanced toward the dimly lit corner where Beomgyu had gone to take the call. "Do you think the manager will confront Beomgyu about it?""Probably not. He won't risk dragging Beomgyu deeper into this mess by revealing the harsh truth, at least not until he's dealt with us first." Taehyun said, taking a sip of the strong soju. The burn of the alcohol on his tongue contrasted with its sweetness. "And besides, I’m sure he won’t let Beomgyu get drunk tonight."Kai's eyes gleamed with amusement as he listened.Meanwhile, Beomgyu answered the call, bracing himself for the inevitable interrogation from their manager. He fully expected the manager to demand their location and put the group in an awkward spot. But to Beomgyu's surprise, that wasn't the manager's opening line.His voice came through urgently, practically shouting into the boy's ear. "Beomgyu! Whatever you do, don't eat or drink anything!!!"Beomgyu was taken aback. It was strange that the manager didn't ask where they were first, and how did he even know they were somewhere with food and drinks? Was he some sort of telepath?"Do you understand?!" The manager's frantic tone left no room for hesitation."Y-Yes, Sir," Beomgyu stammered."Where are you right now?" The manager finally asked the question Beomgyu dreaded.He needed to come up with a lie. He had to keep the manager from discovering that they had ventured into yet another unsavory location. The last thing he needed was the manager finding out they had ended up in another questionable place!Beomgyu stumbled over his words, "Oh, haha, I was just bored, so I invited the other two outside for some fresh air." It was a clumsy and implausible excuse, but it was all he could come up with in the moment.On the other end of the line, the manager struggled to keep his frustration in check. He wanted to yell, but he knew scaring Beomgyu wasn’t the best approach. With a deep and steady breath, he attempted to soften his tone, an effort he didn't make often. "Can you tell me where you are right no—""Ah! The others are calling for me," Beomgyu cut him off, his voice now laced with a false urgency. "I'll definitely be back in time! Gotta go!" Without waiting for a response, he abruptly ended the call, hanging up before the manager could say another word.The manager was left listening to the empty beeping sound of the disconnected call, his irritation growing with each tone. After a few seconds of stunned silence, he inhaled deeply, then let out a frustrated roar that echoed through the hotel. "FUCKING HELLLLL!!!!!" His curse reverberated through the hallways, the powerful scream shaking the walls and causing a stir among the hotel staff. That night had suddenly become much more chaotic...."Beomgyu, who was that?" Taehyun asked the moment Beomgyu returned to his seat, his voice tinged with curiosity. His cheeks were faintly flushed, a telltale sign of the alcohol starting to take effect. Beomgyu glanced at the glass in front of Taehyun; it was still relatively full, but it was hard to tell whether this was his second or even third glass of soju."It was... a staff member," Beomgyu lied, the words slipping out before he could even think. Something inside him urged him to keep the truth hidden, as if revealing it would only make things worse.Taehyun's smile turned mysterious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned in closer. "And what did they say?" he asked, his tone light but probing."Nothing important!" Beomgyu blurted out. It was a mistake, and he knew it the moment the words left his mouth. But surprisingly, Taehyun didn't press the issue. Instead, he merely shrugged and went back to his drink, leaving Beomgyu to stew in his own anxiety.As the minutes passed, it became clear that Taehyun and Kai were doing most of the drinking. They had already polished off five bottles of soju between them, yet neither of them showed any signs of slowing down. Beomgyu, on the other hand, was struggling. His glass was still nearly full, and he had barely taken a sip since Kai had poured it for him. The last bottle of soju remained untouched, mocking him with its presence.Beomgyu could feel the bartender's eyes on him, the man's gaze heavy with silent judgment. He could almost hear the man's thoughts: How can someone his age be so terrible at holding his liquor?But the bartender wasn't the only one watching. Nearly half the patrons in the nightclub had their eyes on Beomgyu, whispering to each other and casting him sideways glances. Some of them were openly mocking him, questioning why he was even there if he couldn't handle his alcohol. Others speculated that he was using his friends to drink on his behalf, letting them get dead drunk while he stayed sober.The whispers stung, but none of them knew the real reason Beomgyu was holding back. It wasn't just about alcohol tolerance; it was about fear—fear of what might happen if he got drunk, fear of what the manager had warned him about.The air in the nightclub was a nauseating mix of stale, lustful odors layered with the sharp scent of soju, all of which was intensified by the cold blast from the air conditioners. Beomgyu wrinkled his nose in disgust every time a particularly pungent aroma wafted his way, his discomfort growing with each breath. He hated to admit it, but all he wanted was for Taehyun and Kai to hurry up and finish their drinks so they could all escape this suffocating nightmare of a place.Taehyun, meanwhile, was busy downing yet another glass of soju, his senses dulling further with each sip. Despite the alcohol, he was still sharp enough to notice the whispers swirling around them, all of them aimed at the boy sitting quietly beside him. Taehyun had long been aware that Beomgyu hadn't touched his drink all night, and he knew the reason why—someone had told Beomgyu not to drink out of concern. Unfortunately, Taehyun had no intention of letting that dictate the evening.He turned toward Beomgyu, reaching out to take his hyung's untouched glass and lifting it to his own lips. Beomgyu watched, thinking Taehyun was about to help him by drinking the wine himself. He let out a small sigh of relief, grateful for the assistance.But then…Without warning, Taehyun placed both hands on Beomgyu's face, pulling him in so close that Beomgyu could see every detail of the younger boy's eyelashes. Before he could even process what was happening, Taehyun pressed their lips together, tilting his head to make the kiss more natural. Beomgyu's mind went blank as Taehyun held his head firmly in place, the shock of the moment paralyzing him.In the next instant, Beomgyu felt a warm liquid flow into his mouth, its sweetness laced with a burning sensation as it coated his tongue. It took him a second to realize what was happening: Taehyun was mouth-feeding him the soju.The entire nightclub seemed to freeze as the scene unfolded. Eyes widened in disbelief, and even those who hadn't been paying attention before were now riveted by the sight of the two boys.Embarrassment flared within Beomgyu, heat rising to his cheeks as he felt the weight of so many eyes on him. Panicked, he placed his hands on Taehyun's chest and tried to push him away. This created a small gap between their mouths, causing some of the soju to spill out and drip down Beomgyu's chin.However, the separation was brief. Taehyun, undeterred, leaned in even further, almost forcing Beomgyu to fall off his seat. The younger boy's actions were swift and calculated; he readjusted his right hand to support Beomgyu’s waist, steadying him, while his left hand slid from Beomgyu’s cheek to his chin, cradling his face in a way that was both possessive and seductive. The shift in position allowed Taehyun to deepen the kiss, pressing their lips together more intimately. Beomgyu's eyes fluttered shut as he had no choice but to swallow the wine that Taehyun fed him, the sweet burn searing its way down his throat.The younger boy didn’t stop there. He bit down on Beomgyu's lower lip with such intensity that it threatened to draw blood, causing Beomgyu to let out a short, pained cry as the sharp sting radiated from his lip. The pain mingled with the lingering taste of soju, creating a mix of sensations that left Beomgyu reeling, both physically and emotionally.He couldn't understand how Taehyun could be so aggressive and assertive. Was this the real him, hidden beneath layers of composure, or was this just the alcohol warping his personality? Beomgyu was left bewildered as Taehyun finally began to pull away.As much as Beomgyu could recall, Taehyun had never been the type to show affection openly, especially not in public. He had always admitted to disliking any display of affection when in the public eye, preferring to keep things private. Yet, here Taehyun was, seemingly indifferent to the prying eyes around them, his attention entirely focused on Beomgyu. The intensity in Taehyun's gaze made him feel strangely exposed, as if the younger boy could see right through him, stripping away all his defenses.The people in the nightclub remained frozen in a state of shock, their eyes wide with surprise. But then, slowly, their initial shock began to morph into something else—something more... welcoming? Beomgyu couldn't quite understand what was happening, why the crowd's reaction was shifting in this way.In truth, the guests weren't shocked because the two boys were males; it was the unexpected display of affection between them that had caught everyone off guard. They had assumed the boys were just friends, nothing more. This nightclub was known as a haven for all kinds of couples, so seeing a same-sex couple wasn't unusual. What was rare, however, was witnessing such an attractive pair. The crowd's surprise gradually turned into admiration, with some even speculating whether the other members of the group were taken as well.Taehyun seemed barely able to stand on his own, his body swaying dangerously as he stumbled left and right. Reacting quickly, Beomgyu grabbed hold of him to keep him upright. Taehyun was clearly dead drunk, his usually sharp eyes now glazed over with the haze of too much alcohol. Kai, though flushed with a red tint to his cheeks, appeared slightly more sober, but still, it was clear they needed to get out of there before things got worse."Excuse me," the bartender's voice cut through the noise, surprisingly friendly compared to the judgment look he had earlier. "If your friends and lover don't mind, you can stay as long as you want in our couple rooms, right behind that door." He gestured toward a large door on the left side of the room.Beomgyu's first instinct was to correct the man, to explain that their relationship wasn’t like that at all. But after what had just happened—Taehyun kissing him, or rather mouth-feeding him the soju—it seemed only natural that people would misunderstand the situation. His cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and the lingering taste of alcohol on his lips.Leaving was all Beomgyu wanted at that moment. The last thing he needed was an invitation to stay longer in this unsettling nightclub. However, before he could refuse, Kai quickly accepted the bartender's offer. "Thanks, we'll rest here for a bit," the boy said, downing the last glass of soju. The bartender and several guests broke into applause, as if congratulating him for his tolerance.Beomgyu inwardly groaned, but there was no turning back now. Together, he and Kai half-carried, half-dragged Taehyun down the long hallway toward the rooms. The hallway's decor was different from the main area, quieter, more intimate, yet it reminded Beomgyu all too much of the night Yeonjun had pulled him into a similar room and pushed him onto the bed. The memory made Beomgyu shiver, and he shook his head.Calm down, Yeonjun isn't here, he reminded himself, trying to focus on the task at hand.When they finally reached one of the rooms, Beomgyu freed one hand to turn the door handle, pushing the door open with his shoulder. The room was small, with minimal furniture—a single lamp, a small table, but what stood out most was the oversized, bouncy bed positioned squarely in the middle. It was clear that the bed was the focal point of the room, designed for purposes far beyond mere sleeping.They gently laid Taehyun down onto the bed, the mattress bouncing slightly under his weight. The sound was soft and almost comforting, much better than the usual creaking beds Beomgyu had encountered in various hotels. It was a small relief."Beomgyu, can you go back and ask for a glass of water?" Kai requested, his voice still steady despite the alcohol. Beomgyu nodded, ready to leave, but Kai added before he could step out of the room, "Oh, and tell them to add lots of ice—preferably ice cubes."Beomgyu furrowed his brows in mild confusion. To his understanding, room temperature water would have sufficed, so why the need for ice? Especially lots of it. But he didn’t question it out loud and instead complied with Kai’s request.It took him a few minutes to get the specific order, insisting on ice cubes rather than crushed ice, and then he returned to the room. As he entered, Kai was already making preparations to leave. "Can you take care of Taehyun for me?" He asked, "I'm gonna get Yeonjun and Soobin from the other room." He looked a bit more unsteady on his feet, the alcohol clearly affecting him more as time passed.Beomgyu offered to help, concerned about his maknae’s condition, but Kai declined. He hurried out of the room, leaving Beomgyu alone with a drunk and nearly unconscious Taehyun. The faint smell of soju still hung in the air, mixing with the club’s lingering scent.Beomgyu set the glass on the bedside table, his movements slow and careful. He then turned his attention to Taehyun and started checking the younger boy’s temperature, his skin warm to the touch but not feverish. After that, he loosened Taehyun’s shirt collar, hoping to help him breathe more comfortably."Taehyun, you should drink some water to stay hydrated," Beomgyu advised, slipping his hand behind the younger boy's shoulders to help him sit up. However, Taehyun remained stubbornly still, his body heavy and uncooperative. "Come on, I can't just pour water into your mouth while you're lying like this. At least sit up a little," Beomgyu urged, trying to coax him into moving."Then use your mouth," Taehyun suggested, his voice lazy but tinged with mischief."H-Huh?" Beomgyu's face turned a deep crimson at the unexpected suggestion. "No, that's dirty!" he quickly declined, horrified by the idea."It's not," The maknae retorted, his tone laced with a bratty stubbornness that Beomgyu hadn't expected. "I only prefer to drink that way."Beomgyu was at a loss. When had Taehyun become this bratty and childish? It wasn't that Beomgyu couldn't do it—it's just that the thought of redoing another mouth-to-mouth encounter made his face burn with embarrassment. The memory of the earlier kiss still lingered, and now Taehyun was asking him to do it again, this time with water. The idea was mortifying.Seeing Beomgyu’s hesitation, Taehyun pouted and concluded with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "If not, I’m not drinking.”Beomgyu sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. Taehyun was being difficult, but he couldn’t let him stay dehydrated, especially after consuming so much alcohol. Reluctantly, Beomgyu pushed aside his shame and grabbed the glass of water. His hands shook slightly as he brought it to his lips, taking a small sip. The cold water felt strange in his mouth as he leaned over Taehyun.This is so embarrassing, Beomgyu thought to himself as he pressed his lips against Taehyun’s once again, slowly letting the water trickle from his mouth to Taehyun’s. The younger boy accepted it eagerly, his lips parting to receive the water, and for a moment, Beomgyu felt the same warmth and pressure from earlier, but with a new sense of intimacy that made his heart race.When it was over, Beomgyu quickly pulled back, his face flushed with a mixture of shame and something else he couldn’t quite name. Taehyun’s eyes were half-lidded, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth."Mm... not so bad for a first time," Taehyun mused amusingly, wiping his lips with his thumb.Beomgyu blushed even harder, his embarrassment reaching a peak as he snapped back, "I didn't ask for your opinion!""Who's being childish now?" Taehyun chuckled cheekily, clearly enjoying the older boy's reaction. Beomgyu could only purse his lips in frustration, knowing that his impulsive response had played right into his maknae’s teasing.Taehyun, still smirking, added, "Your skill is quite something," before, without any warning, he grabbed Beomgyu's wrist and pulled him down onto the bouncy mattress. Beomgyu's eyes widened in bewilderment, his heart racing as he suddenly found himself pinned beneath his maknae. "But not enough," Taehyun ended.Beomgyu lay beneath him, a mix of naivety and utter confusion painted on his face. The situation felt unsettlingly familiar, the memories of his intimate encounter with Yeonjun from the night before flooding back, like a silent warning of what he might have gotten himself into.Taehyun took his time, savoring Beomgyu’s reaction. The older boy’s confusion, unease, and embarrassment were so addicting that Taehyun felt like he could watch him forever. But he knew he didn’t have all day, so he decided to stop just watching and take action.He tore his gaze away from Beomgyu’s face and reached for the glass, noticing that it was filled with more ice cubes than water. A kinky idea formed in his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Kai for giving him such a perfect opportunity.Noticing a potential escape, Beomgyu quickly suggested, "I-I'll go get you another glass of water." He moved to push himself up, hoping to slip away from the uncomfortable situation.But Taehyun was faster, swiftly pushing Beomgyu back onto the bed. "No need, the ice cubes are enough," he said calmly, almost too steady.True to his word, Taehyun tilted the glass until one ice cube fell into his waiting mouth, catching it between his teeth and lips. After setting the glass back on the nearby table, he cast a meaningful gaze down at Beomgyu. The ice cube, already starting to melt in the warmth of the room, dripped cold water onto Beomgyu's exposed skin, causing him to shiver involuntarily.Taehyun’s hands, which had been lazily trailing up Beomgyu’s arms, now firmly grasped his wrists, pinning them to the bed. His fingers curled around the delicate skin, tightening just enough to make his presence undeniable. Beomgyu didn’t even realize he was being restrained because the way Taehyun’s eyes bore into him was so mesmerizing, so seducing. It was as if Taehyun was conveying a silent message: "Are you ready?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Before diving into the plan, Taehyun had meticulously outlined the various sensual activities he intended to explore with Beomgyu, each detail more vivid than the last. The other members’ imaginations were ignited, surprised by the unexpected depth of Taehyun's creativity. His approach was not just daring; it had a soft, playful kinkiness that made it all the more intriguing.
Kai:
You're giving me goosebumps, but weirdly enough, I kinda like your plan. Might even jot it down for future reference.
Soobin:
I hate how I can actually picture everything you just described. Seriously, where on earth did you pick up those... techniques?
Taehyun:
They’re not techniques, it’s called BDSM.
Yeonjun:
Told ya, he’s freaky as hell.
...Back in the present, Beomgyu was still clueless about the full extent of what he had signed up for. As he lay there, his wrists pinned against the soft bed by Taehyun's firm hands, he found his thoughts drifting back to the younger boy's words that morning.Taehyun had reassured him that hooking up with friends was normal, even healthy. Despite his initial hesitation, Beomgyu found himself swayed by that twisted logic. He thought it might be better to embrace this new and strange feeling rather than keep running from it. He decided to see where this strange dynamic would lead and gave in to his curiosity.So, instead of protesting, Beomgyu tried to keep his emotions in check, lying there with a mix of anticipation and unease. Taehyun leaned down, the ice cube poised at Beomgyu's lips. The other boy obediently parted his lips, teeth sinking into the cold surface. As soon as he did, Taehyun loosened his jaw and pulled back slightly with a content smile.He began to trail his lips downward, brushing lightly against Beomgyu's jaw, then tracing the line of his chin, moving slowly to the sensitive skin of his neck, and finally stopping around his collarbones. Each point of contact sent a ticklish sensation rippling through Beomgyu's body. His teeth instinctively tightened around the ice, and his head tilted back slightly. It was as if his body responded to Taehyun's advances with a reflex beyond his control.Taehyun seemed to have an innate understanding of exactly how to tease Beomgyu, knowing just which buttons to push. His grip on one of Beomgyu's wrists softened, and his hand slowly crept up to the other boy's palm. Taehyun’s fingers then slid between Beomgyu’s, intertwining their hands in a gesture that was both intimate and subtly dominant.With a gentle pull, Taehyun lifted Beomgyu's hand, bringing it to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of it, then began trailing a line of delicate kisses down Beomgyu’s arm. Each kiss was slow, deliberate, and filled with a sensuality that made Beomgyu's face flush a deep crimson. The way Taehyun moved, with such effortless grace, left Beomgyu struggling to keep his composure, his mind overwhelmed by how irresistibly sexy Taehyun was being.The combination of the heated atmosphere around them and the small yet impactful stimulation was too much for Beomgyu to handle. He bit down on the melting ice, snapping it into two pieces, which landed on his tongue.Taehyun's gaze sharpened upon noticing the ice's disappearance. "Don’t chew," he instructed firmly. Beomgyu nodded, and instead, rolled the ice around his mouth to hasten its melt."Keep it on your tongue," Taehyun added, which puzzled Beomgyu.He worried that keeping the ice there too long would numb his tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. Something about Taehyun’s authority and the fear of disrupting the mood made him want to comply, despite his apprehensions.So, Beomgyu stayed still, keeping his mouth muscles relaxed. Taehyun smiled in satisfaction at his hyung’s obedience and continued to shower Beomgyu’s skin with tender kisses, seemingly content to wait until the ice had completely melted.He soon heard a soft gulp from Beomgyu—a sign that the ice had turned to water and had slid down his throat. Beomgyu’s discomfort was evident as he moved his jaw restlessly, and Taehyun could tell the ice had likely numbed his tongue.He chuckled softly, leaning in close to Beomgyu’s face. "Sorry," he murmured, "Let me warm it up," before capturing the older boy in a sudden, intense kiss. His lips moved with purpose, sucking on Beomgyu's lower lip before gently nibbling at it. Then, without hesitation, Taehyun pushed his tongue into Beomgyu's mouth, exploring it with a deliberate slowness that made Beomgyu feel paralyzed, struggling to adapt to the intense sensation. The warmth of Taehyun’s tongue contrasted with the cold lingering from the ice, creating a comforting heat that slowly balanced out the chill.The maknae’s tongue danced around Beomgyu’s, swirling and teasing with occasional pauses to let Beomgyu catch his breath. Each time Taehyun pulled back slightly, he admired the dazed and breathless expression on his hyung’s face, finding it utterly adorable and incredibly enticing.Then, Taehyun suddenly had a new idea he was eager to test on Beomgyu, curious to see how the older boy would react.As the kiss continued, he released Beomgyu’s wrists and shifted his hands to either side of Beomgyu's face—not to cradle his cheeks, but to cover his ears completely. The immediate effect was like a tidal wave crashing over Beomgyu.With his hearing restricted, every wet sound of their kiss, every slither of their tongues, and even Beomgyu’s own moans became startlingly amplified. The obscene sounds of their kiss seemed to echo within his head, engulfing him. Taehyun didn’t pull away this time, and the resulting flood of sensations left Beomgyu gasping for breath, his eyes clenching shut as he struggled to process the intense discomfort mingled with an inexplicable craving. He found himself becoming addictively lost in the kiss, unable to explain why he wanted more.Instinctively, Beomgyu’s arms climbed up and wrapped around Taehyun’s back, holding on tightly despite his labored breathing. He was out of breath but was driven by an insatiable need for more.Taehyun was eager to continue, but since he didn't want Beomgyu to faint before he had a chance to explore more, he decided to pull away, resulting in a thin strand of saliva connecting their tongues briefly before snapping.However, in that instant, Taehyun found himself frozen in place, captivated by the sight before him. Beomgyu was panting heavily, his tongue lolling out, lips glistening with saliva that trickled down his chin. His eyes were half-open, glassy with moisture threatening to spill over, giving him a look of vulnerability that was both enticing and inviting. The rawness of Beomgyu’s expression almost pushed Taehyun to his limits, stirring a primal urge to strip his hyung and fuck him right there. It took all of Taehyun's willpower to hold himself back, his control hanging by a thread. It was a close call."Taehyun! Are you okay?!" Beomgyu's shout yanked him back to reality. He responded with a calm, collected tone, attempting to downplay the situation, but he quickly grasped why Beomgyu was so alarmed.A drop of liquid splattered onto the pristine white bedsheet beneath them. It wasn’t just any liquid—it was blood.Taehyun’s eyes widened in shock as he realized it was his own, trickling from his nose. He was having a nosebleed, and the cause was undeniably Beomgyu. Taehyun realized his excitement in response to Beomgyu's vulnerable state was so intense that it had manifested physically. He knew he needed to be more cautious—his desire was running dangerously high.Taehyun wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand, flashing a reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, let's continue," he said, downplaying the situation.But the sight of Taehyun brushing off his condition with that unsettling smile only deepened Beomgyu’s concern. A knot of regret began to form in his chest. He couldn’t ignore the way Taehyun seemed to be getting addicted to these intimate activities, treating them like some dangerous drug he couldn’t resist."Taehyun, I'm being serious," Beomgyu insisted, his voice laced with worry. "We need to take care of your nosebleed first. What if it’s something bad?"As he spoke, Beomgyu reached out to wipe the remaining blood from Taehyun’s face, not caring about dirtying his own hands. Taehyun watched him with an unreadable expression, then suddenly grabbed one of Beomgyu’s hands, pressing it against his lips. He lolled out his tongue, licking Beomgyu’s palm before sucking on his fingers.A shiver ran down Beomgyu’s spine, and he quickly yanked his hand back, disturbed by Taehyun’s increasingly erratic behavior. The maknae seemed to be losing himself, doing things that felt nastier, more unhinged, without a second thought.Taehyun’s eyes darkened when he saw Beomgyu pull away, a shadow falling over his gaze as the light caught on his bangs. The older boy could feel it—something bad was about to happen."I'm sorry, that was wrong of me." However, Taehyun’s voice was unexpectedly soft as he pulled away, sitting up to give Beomgyu some space. Beomgyu blinked in surprise at the sudden shift in his maknae's demeanor. "The nosebleed won't affect my health, so you can relax," Taehyun reassured him with a gentle tone.Beomgyu nodded, but the unease in his chest lingered, refusing to dissipate. Something still felt off, no matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise."If you're okay with it, can you take off your shirt?" Taehyun asked casually.Trying to stay positive, Beomgyu complied, pushing himself up and pulling off his T-shirt. He felt a wave of embarrassment as he became acutely aware of the other boy’s eyes on his exposed skin, his gaze heavy and lingering.But then, he noticed Taehyun beginning to undo his own belt, and a spike of panic shot through him. "W-What are you doing?!"Taehyun looked at him, puzzled. "Huh? I’m just taking it off so it doesn’t press against my stomach. Is there something wrong?"The secondhand embarrassment hit Beomgyu like a truck as he realized how dirty-minded his thoughts had been a moment ago. He nodded, again slowly, trying to suppress the heat rising in his face. As his gaze drifted back to Taehyun, the boy was still holding the belt in his hand without putting it aside, making a creeping suspicion return, stronger this time. Something was definitely wrong."Give me your hands," Taehyun requested, and Beomgyu, unsure of what was expected, extended his hands with palms up, as if asking for something from the younger boy.Taehyun's grin widened. He used his other hand to gather Beomgyu's wrists, pressing them together with a firm grip. In one swift motion, Taehyun looped the belt around his wrists, securing them with practiced ease. By the time Beomgyu snapped out of his stunned silence, his hands were already bound tightly."Huh, it works better than rope," Taehyun remarked, admiring his handiwork with a satisfied smirk."Taehyun! What's the meaning of this?!" Beomgyu practically shouted, his voice trembling with a mix of confusion and frustration as he demanded answers."Don't worry, hyung," Taehyun replied smoothly, his tone almost too calm as he firmly pushed Beomgyu back onto the bed, keeping his bound wrists pinned above his head. "This is just something people do to explore new kinds of pleasure. You'll understand soon."Beomgyu's heart pounded in his chest, uncertainty gnawing at him. How could he trust those words, especially after Taehyun had so casually lied about unbuckling the belt just to make himself more comfortable?With his right hand holding Beomgyu’s bound wrists against the mattress, Taehyun let his other hand roam along his hyung’s side, from his armpit down to his hip. The touch was light, almost teasing, making Beomgyu's breath hitch at the ticklish sensation. Taehyun paused only to retrieve an ice cube from the glass, then held it between his lips.Beomgyu braced himself, expecting Taehyun to continue his previous game of torturing him with the cold ice on his tongue. However, what followed was even more intense than he had anticipated.Taehyun lowered his head, letting the ice press against Beomgyu’s collarbone. The sudden shock of cold made Beomgyu flinch. The maknae then began to trail the ice slowly down Beomgyu’s chest."Hngh!..." The other boy gasped as the cold approached his nipple but stopped just short of touching it. His hands twisted under Taehyun’s grip, struggling weakly to free themselves, but the pressure was unyielding.Taehyun’s cruelty was evident as he circled the ice around Beomgyu’s nipple. The low temperature caused it to harden and stand out, a tantalizing shade of pink reddening under the cold. Beomgyu’s back arched, his body involuntarily jerking with the unbearable teasing. He let out a distressed cry as his hands fought desperately against the firm hold, but the grip was unrelenting, keeping him immobilized as the torment continued.Taehyun's attention moved to Beomgyu’s other nipple, pressing the ice against the hardened bud. The reaction was immediate—a delicious moan escaped Beomgyu's lips. "T-Taehyun... it f-feels weird..." Beomgyu stammered, his body trembling uncontrollably when Taehyun began taking his nipple into his mouth, the ice still nestled between his lips."AH!" Beomgyu’s cry was loud and unrestrained as the electric sensation shot through him. His eyes flew open in shock before slamming shut, and he bit down hard on his lip, trying to endure the intense pleasure. The combination of Taehyun’s tongue swirling the ice around while licking and sucking his nipple was overwhelming. The dual stimulation was so powerful that Beomgyu felt as though he was on the brink of breaking apart.When the ice melted away completely, Taehyun finally released Beomgyu’s nipple. He sat back, running a hand through his messy hair, casually licking the remnants of the melted ice from the corner of his lips. Beomgyu's heart pounded fiercely at the sight of Taehyun's seductive demeanor.After that, Taehyun helped his hyung sit up, and Beomgyu felt a burning sensation in his wrists, not from the tightness of the belt, but from the desperate struggle he’d made earlier. The maknae positioned himself behind Beomgyu, guiding his bound wrists backward until they were draped around Taehyun’s neck. With his lips hovering dangerously close to Beomgyu’s ear, the younger boy’s proximity was both inescapable and electrifying.Taehyun’s hands began their exploration up Beomgyu’s chest, fingers gently grazing his nipples. He massaged them tenderly, his lips trailing soft kisses along Beomgyu’s neck and shoulder. The older boy's hips bucked in response to the stimulation, betraying his mounting arousal. Taehyun's gaze wandered down to Beomgyu’s pants, where a noticeable bulge was beginning to form. He could see the clear need in Beomgyu’s body but decided to withhold any further touch until his hyung begged for it.Beomgyu, fully aware of Taehyun’s deliberate actions, grew increasingly frustrated. The light touches and teasing only heightened his arousal, yet the release he craved seemed distant. He was torn between the urgent need for relief and the reluctance to ask Taehyun for help, the mix of desire and shame making it difficult to voice his needs."Taehyun..." Beomgyu's voice trembled as he finally gave in to his desire. "C-Can you touch me down there?"Taehyun’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction at hearing Beomgyu's request, but he couldn't resist prolonging the tease. "Where exactly?"Beomgyu bit his lip, the shame of voicing his need burning brightly as he struggled to articulate it. "My... c-cock.""Alright," Taehyun responded with a sly grin, his fingers already moving to the waistband of Beomgyu’s pants. He expertly undid the button, the sound of the zipper slowly descending adding to the mounting tension between them. Taehyun's eyes sparkled with mischief as he carefully peeled back the fabric, just enough to reveal the outline of Beomgyu's erection straining against his damp underwear.His cock was trapped within the thin, confining fabric, every gentle squeeze on his nipples making it swell and throb even more. Taehyun, aware of the growing need, intentionally kept Beomgyu's length encased, his fingers tracing over the slick material with maddening slowness. Each stroke was deliberate, a torturous rhythm that heightened Beomgyu's frustration, drawing out soft, needy sounds from his lips.As Taehyun continued his measured teasing, Beomgyu’s breathing grew heavier. "F-Faster," he gasped. The slow pace was driving him mad, and the thought of release was like a distant, unreachable goal."Someone’s getting quite needy," Taehyun teased. Beomgyu’s face flushed with embarrassment at the comment, and he quickly searched for a justification."S-Shut up!" He stammered, "It’s normal to go faster when you want to orgasm.""True," Taehyun replied, "But isn’t it a bit boring? You cum, and then it’s over. Where’s the fun in that?"The question left Beomgyu momentarily stunned. "Huh? Um... isn’t that the whole point? You get aroused, do something about it, and then climax."The maknae couldn’t help but chuckle at Beomgyu's simplistic view, finding it endearing in its innocence. "There’s a lot more to it than that, hyung," he murmured, his voice rich with the promise of deeper pleasure.The formality of Taehyun calling him 'hyung' made Beomgyu tense, a sense of unease settling over him.Suddenly, Taehyun's hand stopped its teasing strokes and withdrew from Beomgyu’s erection, leaving him both puzzled and frustrated. The younger boy's touch shifted back to focusing on Beomgyu’s nipples, eliciting a soft, unexpected gasp from him."W-Why did you stop?" Beomgyu's voice was tinged with disappointment, his confusion evident."Don’t panic," Taehyun whispered soothingly, his breath warm against Beomgyu's ear. "Did you know that some people can climax without even touching their private parts?"Beomgyu furrowed his brows, unable to recall ever encountering such a phenomenon. His experience had always been that release came through direct stimulation, typically involving touching one’s own genitals. The idea that climax could be achieved through other means seemed foreign and hard to believe.Beomgyu remained unaware that he was about to experience this foreign sensation. Without any warning, Taehyun's fingers dug into Beomgyu's nipples, causing an intense reaction. Beomgyu's body tensed and trembled uncontrollably, a pained cry escaping his lips. It was unclear whether Taehyun had pinched too hard or if Beomgyu's nipples were simply exceptionally sensitive.The assault was relentless. Taehyun alternated between touching, rubbing, pinching, and massaging the nipples, each action accompanied by tender kisses trailing down Beomgyu’s neck. The combined effect of this stimulation made Beomgyu's hips buck wildly, as if jolted by electric shocks. His gasps and moans came in a continuous stream, his sounds growing more desperate and primal with each passing moment.Taehyun noticed Beomgyu’s erection straining against the fabric of his underwear, becoming increasingly damp. At one point, Taehyun thought Beomgyu might have already reached climax, given the amount of precum leaking, but his hyung's reaction suggested otherwise."AH! T-Taehyun, I can't—Nngh!!!..." Beomgyu’s voice was barely coherent through the overwhelming sensations. The relentless stimulation on his nipples was driving him to the edge, and he could feel his orgasm approaching with an intensity that left him on the verge of losing control.It would have taken just a little more pressure for Beomgyu to reach his climax, but unfortunately for him, it was Taehyun who was in control—and he had no intention of letting the experience end so easily. Just as Beomgyu teetered on the edge of orgasm, Taehyun abruptly stopped, pulling his hands back and leaving Beomgyu's body writhing in desperate frustration. The sudden halt left his libido hanging in the air, the denied release causing his whole body to ache."See? You almost came just from having your nipples played with," Taehyun teased."S-Stop messing around and finish it!" Beomgyu's need for release was evident in every strained syllable. By now, it was painfully clear that he was craving that climax more than anything.But Taehyun leaned in close to Beomgyu's ear as he whispered his refusal, "Don’t wanna.""Then at least untie my wrists!" Beomgyu pleaded, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and desperation.Taehyun chuckled softly, seeing right through Beomgyu’s intentions. "Heh, no can do. If I let you go, you’ll just start touching yourself, won’t you? I can't have that."Frustration bubbling to the surface, the older boy couldn't contain his exasperation any longer. "But I'm so close! Just let me cum!" he exclaimed.Taehyun, with a smirk playing on his lips, responded coolly, "Then beg for it." The command sent a jolt through Beomgyu, causing him to freeze in place. "Just say the words. If you do that, I might grant your wish," the maknae added, his tone teasing yet serious.The reality of the situation hit Beomgyu like a cold wave, and he could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, a profound humiliation washing over him. He knew exactly what was expected of him, and the thought alone was enough to make his heart race. But he also knew that if he refused to comply, Taehyun would simply sit there and do nothing.Biting his lip in an attempt to swallow his pride, Beomgyu gathered every ounce of resolve he could muster. "P-Please let me cum," he finally stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.Taehyun was not satisfied. "Mm… not enough," he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Louder, and make it sound more desperate."Beomgyu felt a rush of irritation directed at his maknae for pushing him to his limits, but he still did as he was told. "I… I want to orgasm so badly! Please let me have it! I’m begging you!" Each word felt like a heavy weight tied to his dignity, dragging him further down into the depths of vulnerability. He could feel his sense of self slipping away, piece by piece, and yet the thrill of the moment kept him teetering on the edge of exhilaration.Upon witnessing his hyung's impeccable conduct, Taehyun was sufficiently impressed to grant him his heart's desire. Once again, the younger boy placed his hand on the damp protrusion that was pushing against Beomgyu's underwear, feeling the entire length fit snugly in his grasp and then stroking it up and down in a measured motion. Not too languid, but not too hurried either. Beomgyu attempted to regulate his breathing while Taehyun was stroking him, the maknae occasionally using his index finger to trace circles on the tip of Beomgyu's erection, which made his body shudder and throw his head back further while moaning unceasingly.However, because he was so focused on his mounting climax and maintaining his breathing, Beomgyu was taken aback when two fingers suddenly thrust into his mouth, parting his lips and delving inside. Taehyun was stroking Beomgyu's cock with one hand while sliding his two fingers in and out of Beomgyu's mouth with the other.The older boy leaned his head back even further, until it was practically dangling over his maknae's shoulder. From this angle, Taehyun's fingers seemed to move in a thrusting motion, as if they were plunging into his hyung's mouth.Despite being caught off guard by the sudden intrusion, Beomgyu remained compliant. He didn't recoil or object; instead, he loosened his jaw and curled his tongue around Taehyun's fingers, sucking on them eagerly. The fingers glided deep into his mouth, almost touching his uvula, but he managed to control his breathing to prevent himself from gagging.Taehyun couldn't help but remark with a hint of amusement. "You seem to enjoy sucking on my fingers. But I wonder... have you ever sucked on something else before?" The double meaning hung in the air, thick and heavy.Under normal circumstances, Beomgyu would have tensed up at Taehyun's insinuation, knowing full well that he had previously shared an intimate moment with Yeonjun. However, in his current state of heightened arousal and on the brink of release, Beomgyu was too consumed by his own desires to pay much mind to Taehyun's teasing tone.Taehyun, sensing Beomgyu's distraction, continued to push the boundaries. The sound of skin against skin, combined with Beomgyu's increasingly audible whimpers and moans, filled the room. As if on instinct, Beomgyu found himself moving closer to Taehyun's hand, his hips unconsciously thrusting forward in search of more friction.Taehyun took advantage of Beomgyu's proximity, gently nipping at the lobe of his ear. His tongue darted out, tracing a deliberate path along the outer edge of Beomgyu's ear before delving deeper into the sensitive inner shell.The sensation of Taehyun's mouth on his ear was so intense, so overwhelming, that it felt as if his hearing was being stimulated in a way that was almost painful, and Beomgyu couldn't help but cry out. He was fully under Taehyun's spell, completely and utterly at his mercy. And as he reached the peak of his pleasure, tumbling headfirst into the abyss of ecstasy, Beomgyu knew that he would never be the same again.At that moment, a taut string within Beomgyu had finally reached its snapping point and he came hard. Taehyun's fingers were still buried deep within Beomgyu's mouth, and despite the burning desire to bite down on them, Beomgyu couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he opened his mouth wider and let out a loud moan that echoed through the room. "Aahhh!!!~♡…"His entire body trembled and shook, a wave of pleasure coursing through him like an electric current. His thighs clenched tightly together, trapping Taehyun's hand momentarily between them when a moderate amount of thick, white liquid spurted out from the tip of his cock. The viscous fluid was absorbed by his underwear.Beomgyu's body began to relax, his breathing steadied as the stimulation subsided. But then, he suddenly felt the younger boy's hand sneak inside his underwear. The fingers wrapped around his erection, moving with a speed that was vastly different from the slow pace that he had experienced earlier. To his surprise, Taehyun continued to stroke him even after the climax had ended.Beomgyu tried to wriggle away from Taehyun's hand, but the boy kept his hand on his hyung's shaft and stroked it with an intensity that was almost alarming. The previous semen served as lubrication, making Beomgyu's body twitch uncontrollably. His bound wrists struggled against the restraints, and his voice was now reduced to a series of incoherent moans and gasps.Taehyun sensed that Beomgyu had something to say, so he pulled his fingers out of the boy's mouth, which were now covered in saliva. "W-Wait, Taehyun!" Beomgyu begged, "I just came—AH! Stop! I can't handle it anymore!!!"Taehyun's response was soothing and contrasted the assault he was carrying out. "Shh...relax your body, hyung. I'm helping you push through your limit," he whispered. However, Beomgyu shook his head vigorously amidst the pleasure, his voice shaking with fear. "No no no, I can't! This is too much!!!"Taehyun was determined to prove him wrong. "We'll see about that."He increased his pace, stroking and rubbing Beomgyu's length with more intensity. As if guided by an invisible force, Taehyun's other hand found its way to Beomgyu's neck, encircling it in a gentle yet possessive grip. The pressure was subtle, barely there, but enough to send a jolt of adrenaline through his system.Beomgyu threw his head back, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as he became completely overwhelmed by the overstimulation. His body quivered, his muscles tensed and contracted while Taehyun continued his assault. The older boy's breath came in short, sharp gasps, his chest heaving with the effort of trying to take in enough air. His legs kicked out, his toes curling with pleasure as he felt himself on the brink of another explosive release. The maknae tightened his grip around Beomgyu's neck, choking him in a loving manner, readying for another wave of pleasure.With one final, powerful stroke, Beomgyu's body convulsed, a loud cry tearing itself from his throat as he came hard, his release spilling over Taehyun's fingers and onto his stomach. The sound he made was unlike anything the younger boy had ever heard, it was as if the heavens themselves were singing in that moment. It was a symphony of pleasure, a melody of ecstasy that Taehyun would never forget.As Beomgyu's body went numb, Taehyun slowly let go of his hyung's cock, raising his hand to his own lips and sensually licking the semen off his fingers. Beomgyu, still dazed and disoriented, managed to push through his exhaustion and urgently said, "H-Hey! Don't lick that! It's dirty!"Taehyun, however, remained unfazed. He simply smiled and cleaned up the rest of the semen on his hand, before responding, "But I love it," he said, "Now I know what you taste like."Beomgyu turned his face away, embarrassment flooding through him. He didn't know how to react to Taehyun's bold statement. He had never experienced anything like this before, the intensity of the pleasure, the taboo nature of their actions. But he couldn't deny the way his body responded to Taehyun and the way he craved his touch.Overwhelmed by the exertion of his previous orgasms, Beomgyu felt the crushing weight of fatigue threatening to pull him into unconsciousness. His eyelids fluttered closed, heavy as lead, but Taehyun's voice cut through the darkness. "Don't faint just yet, hyung. I need you to stay awake for a few more minutes."He gently settled Beomgyu back onto the bed, allowing him to relax his aching muscles. Kneeling on either side of his hyung's supine form, the younger boy didn't encircle his waist as Beomgyu had feared, but instead positioned himself around his chest. Beomgyu's eyes shot wide open in shock and terror, his mind reeling as he realized Taehyun's intentions.The maknae's movements were deliberate as he undid the fastening of his pants, withdrawing his throbbing shaft into the open. Beomgyu's heart raced, pounding in his chest with a ferocity that threatened to drown out all rational thought. Fear spiked through his veins as Taehyun's hand moved up and down the length, guiding the tip of his engorged member towards Beomgyu's face.The older boy's panic reached new heights as he frantically attempted to push Taehyun away with his bound hands, but the maknae's free hand swiftly pinned Beomgyu's wrists above his head, holding him in place with an unyielding grip."I know you don't have the strength to struggle anymore, so just relax and enjoy the moment," Taehyun panted huskily, his breath coming in ragged gasps, and he stroked his erection faster.But Beomgyu couldn't relax, the fear gripping him too tightly. He used the last of his strength to wriggle his body in a desperate attempt to escape the image of the semen nearing his mouth. The memory of his past trauma with Yeonjun still haunted him, and the thought of being forced to endure it again was enough to bring tears to his eyes.Taehyun closed his eyes, his body wracked with tremors as he reached his peak. The guttural sounds that escaped his lips were a stark reminder of his total dominance over the terrified boy. Reflexively, Beomgyu shut his eyes, his face contorting in a grimace as a viscous torrent of semen spewed out, splattering across it. The hot, sticky liquid sent a shiver of revulsion through Beomgyu, every instinct screaming for him to cleanse himself of the violation.Seeing Beomgyu's avoidance reaction, a flicker of something dark passed through Taehyun's eyes. He let his erection subside and gently lifted Beomgyu's chin, his thumb tracing the outline of the boy's lips, smeared with the remnants of his ejaculation. With a forceful gesture, he pushed his finger into Beomgyu's mouth."Swallow it," he commanded, and Beomgyu had no choice but to obey. His throat constricted as he forced the semen down, a wave of nausea washing over him. The bitter taste mingled with the metallic tang, bringing back a flood of memories, both terrifying and deeply painful.Taehyun smirked, pulling his hand back with a cruel satisfaction twisting his features. "Good job," he murmured, his voice dripping with poisonous sweetness. Beomgyu’s eyelids fluttered, and he quickly drifted into unconsciousness, the exhaustion and trauma finally overwhelming him.After that, Taehyun untied his hyung's wrists. The sight of the angry red marks left by the belt gave him a flicker of remorse, though it was quickly eclipsed by the thrill of his conquest.He glanced at the small clock on the wall, realizing that almost an hour had passed. The thought of the countless other things he had wanted to do with Beomgyu filled him with a frustrated hunger. He had been forced to rush things, especially his own hurried release due to the limited time.With Beomgyu passed out, Taehyun knew he was in for a harsh scolding from the other members. But that was better than the alternative – continuing with his plans even after Beomgyu fainted. That would have been unforgivable, especially to Yeonjun, who would likely lose his cool completely.What Beomgyu had failed to realized or questioned was that, despite downing nearly three bottles of soju and seeming dead drunk earlier, Taehyun remained surprisingly clear-headed the entire time. His alcohol tolerance was actually far higher than Beomgyu knew, but he decided it was best not to reveal this to his hyung when he woke up—just in case Taehyun wanted to use the same trick again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The rattling of the door handle echoed through the room, followed by the creak of the door opening. Three figures stood in the doorway, their gazes immediately locking onto Taehyun before shifting in unison to the unconscious Beomgyu sprawled out on the bed. Taehyun could almost hear the judgments forming in their minds, and he knew none of them were favorable.Before anyone could hurl accusations, Taehyun quickly defended himself, "Before you get any ideas, I didn’t take his virginity. Yet.""Riiight..." Kai drawled out the word, clearly unconvinced. "Then why did he faint?"Taehyun let out an innocent chuckle, playing it off. "Oh, I might've gone a bit too far. Didn’t expect him to be that sensitive to all the... stimulation.""Is that so..." Yeonjun crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing as he pointed out something with a deadpan stare. "Care to explain that stain?" All eyes followed his gesture to a small red stain on the bedsheet. Soobin and Kai immediately understood why Yeonjun looked like he was about to murder Taehyun.With an exaggerated roll of his eyes, the other boy groaned. "Seriously? Get your minds out of the gutter. It’s just a nosebleed, alright? I got a little too excited." He knew he wasn’t completely off the hook; truth be told, he would have pushed things further if he’d had more time. It was a shame."By the way," Taehyun remarked, his tone casual as he gestured toward Yeonjun and Soobin, "Weren't the two of you dead drunk earlier? You sobered up fast."Yeonjun didn’t miss a beat, his response laced with sarcasm. "Of course we did. We had to stay alert, just in case a certain annoying squirrel decided to break the deal."Taehyun let out a sigh. "Give me some credit, will you? It’s not easy to resist the urge to fuck Beomgyu and break him. You know that better than anyone, right, Yeonjun?" He grinned.The oldest member’s expression darkened instantly, his stare going from deadpan to razor-sharp in a heartbeat. The intensity in his gaze was lethal, as if he could slice Taehyun in half with just a look. Taehyun had certainly struck a nerve. Holding back the urge to take Beomgyu was, indeed, a constant battle, one Yeonjun knew all too well. But he was well aware that if any of them crossed that line, it would be considered rape—an unforgivable act, made even more catastrophic by the fact that they were idols.Yeonjun’s concern wasn’t just about himself. He knew Kai’s self-control would crumble in the face of Beomgyu’s allure; the maknae would likely give in without a second thought, and Yeonjun would have to keep a close watch on him. Soobin, on the other hand, didn’t trigger the same alarm in Yeonjun’s mind. He saw Soobin as the ‘nice boy’ of the group, someone who respected Beomgyu deeply and was unlikely to cross any lines.At least, that was how Yeonjun chose to see it. But who knew? Maybe even a good boy like Soobin could go bad when faced with temptation.Speaking of which, Soobin hadn’t said a word since stepping into the room, or more accurately, since he’d woken up from his drunken state. Yeonjun was familiar with Soobin's introverted nature, but this silence was different—unnerving, even. The usually quiet leader seemed to be retreating further into himself, offering no comments, no reactions, just a distant gaze fixed on Beomgyu.Curiosity gnawed at Yeonjun as he glanced over at Soobin. The boy’s expression was unreadable, save for the unmistakable concern in his eyes as he looked at the unconscious member. It was hard to tell what was going on in Soobin’s mind. Yeonjun couldn’t help but wonder—what kind of desires did a 'nice boy' like Soobin harbor? What would he do when it came to intimate moments with Beomgyu? He hoped it extended beyond just vanilla sex. Then again, Kai had once mentioned that Soobin was secretly a sadist. Maybe there was more to the boy than met the eye, and Yeonjun found himself intrigued by the possibility of a kinkier side lurking beneath Soobin’s quiet demeanor.As Kai glanced around the room, his eyes landed on a half-empty glass, and a sense of satisfaction welled up within him. "Looks like you had a great time."Taehyun's eyes lit up at the comment. "Thanks to you, playing with Beomgyu using the ice cubes was a blast."Kai grinned back. "No problem." They were partners in crime now, bound by their shared mischief.Taehyun then requested, "Can you help me get his T-shirt back on? I’ll hold him up." The youngest member nodded, stepping forward to assist.Yeonjun, meanwhile, looked at the clock on the wall, realizing time was slipping away. They didn’t have long before they were supposed to return as instructed by the staff. "Hurry up, you two," he reminded them. "We need to head back."Focused on cleaning Beomgyu up, Kai and Taehyun merely hummed in acknowledgment, wiping the remnants of semen from his face and body. They worked quickly, not wanting to leave any traces behind.Once they were ready to go, Taehyun turned to Soobin, a sly grin forming on his face. "It's your turn now, right? You should carry him."Yeonjun’s brows furrowed at the tone. The way Taehyun phrased it made it sound like Beomgyu was being tossed aside after serving his purpose—a callous and thoughtless move that didn’t sit well with him.Soobin, however, showed little reaction to the suggestion. He simply nodded and moved over to Beomgyu, gently lifting the unconscious boy onto his back. His careful movements were deliberate, ensuring Beomgyu wouldn’t be disturbed from his slumber.The trio exchanged glances, their thoughts aligned. Soobin was too kind to Beomgyu—so much that it could become a problem. In recent days, Beomgyu had started to rely on Soobin more and more, a dependency that could easily blossom into something deeper. That was a complication they couldn’t afford, not when they had all agreed to share Beomgyu equally. He couldn’t be allowed to favor one of them over the others.They briefly considered advising Soobin to dial back his tenderness, but they knew it would be a tough ask. Soobin’s good-hearted nature was almost impossible to curb. Instead, Yeonjun’s mind began to churn with a different idea—an opposite approach. Rather than trying to dampen Soobin’s kindness, they could teach him to embrace a colder, meaner side, to tap into the sadistic streak Kai had hinted at. If Soobin could learn to be cruel, to withhold affection just enough, it might keep Beomgyu from growing too attached.The group made their way to the main room where the bartender stood behind the counter. As they approached, they thanked him for letting them stay. The man acknowledged them with a nod, his eyes briefly scanning the group before settling on the boy slumped over Soobin’s back. His mind began to wander, trying to piece together the scenario that had unfolded.Over the years, he had seen his fair share of couples where one partner had gone too hard, leaving the other passed out, but this situation felt different. The fact that they had all sobered up so quickly—despite it only being an hour—was strange enough. But what really caught his attention was that it was Soobin, not Taehyun, who was carrying the boy. If Taehyun was the lover, why wasn’t he the one taking care of him?This detail, combined with the group’s unusual dynamic, sparked a suspicion in the bartender’s mind: had they all been involved in some kind of group sex? It wasn’t unheard of, but five people being romantically entangled like this was something he hadn’t encountered before. The thought left him flabbergasted.As he recalled Beomgyu’s behavior from earlier, the man couldn’t help but notice the boy’s innocence—like a lamb strayed into a den of wolves. The other four radiated a certain 'bad boy' energy, but Beomgyu was different, almost pure in comparison. It was easy to imagine him as the submissive one, a natural bottom, perhaps even too delicate for what they might have put him through.A dirty thought crept into the bartender’s mind as he eyed Beomgyu. How could he possibly handle all of them? Surely not at once… Maybe one at a time? Even a seasoned prostitute would struggle with that, and this boy looks like he hasn’t even lost his virginity yet. So how—His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a small cough. Taehyun inquired politely, "Sir, is there something you want to ask us?"The bartender snapped back to reality, quickly shaking his head. "O-Oh, no, nothing at all. You’re free to go now."As the group turned to leave, their eyes narrowed. They could easily guess what had been running through the bartender’s mind. His gaze had been all too telling, shifting from their faces to their crotches, then back to Beomgyu. It was painfully obvious....Upon returning to the hotel, the staff greeted the boys warmly, but their smiles quickly faded when they noticed Beomgyu, unconscious and slumped over Soobin’s back. Concern washed over their faces as they hurried to ask if he was alright and what had happened. The members, anticipating such questions, calmly explained that Beomgyu had simply fallen asleep on the way back, and one of them had to carry him.Their explanation seemed to satisfy the staff, who nodded in understanding and began to recount the events that had transpired during the group’s absence. They spoke in hushed tones about how the manager had suddenly flown into a rage after making a phone call. His usual composure shattered, and he cursed loudly, his anger so intense that it shook the entire place. When the staff tried to inquire about the reason behind his outburst, he clammed up, abruptly changing the subject as if he was desperate to avoid revealing the truth.The group knew exactly why the manager had reacted that way, and three of them felt a sense of grim satisfaction that he had chosen to keep the truth hidden at all costs, just as they had expected.As if on cue, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, growing louder until the manager himself appeared before them. His expression was already sour, but it darkened further when his eyes landed on Beomgyu. There was no hiding the fury that radiated from him."All of you, meet me in my room, NOW." he ordered, his voice tight with barely restrained anger. His gesture was firm, leaving no room for argument.The staff exchanged uneasy glances, still uncertain about what had set their manager off so badly. They could sense that the boys were about to face a severe scolding. Some of them attempted to subtly suggest that the manager go easy on the group, but their words fell on deaf ears. The manager’s anger was unwavering, and the staff could only watch helplessly as the boys followed him down the hall, bracing themselves for whatever awaited them behind closed doors.By the time the members had gathered in the manager's room, Taehyun was momentarily distracted by the elegant decor, his eyes wandering over the luxurious furnishings. Lost in his admiration, he was caught off guard by the sharp sting of a slap across his cheek. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, eyes wide with shock. Kai stepped forward, ready to defend his friend, only to receive the same harsh treatment. The sound of the slap echoed in the room as Kai staggered from the impact.Yeonjun was next. Unlike the others, he stood tall, his expression steely as he faced the manager. The slap came just as hard, but Yeonjun didn’t flinch, accepting the punishment with a resigned calmness. He simply held his ground, as if daring the manager to do worse.Soobin, who had watched in growing dread as each of his friends was struck, instinctively shut his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable. Surprisingly, the slap never came. He slowly opened his eyes, only to find the manager glaring past him, his fury still locked on the trio. It was unclear why Soobin was spared—whether it was because he was carrying Beomgyu or because the manager viewed him as the most trustworthy member of the group. Perhaps it was both.The slaps had been a shock to the boys, but they weren’t entirely unexpected. It wasn't every day that idols got caught up in something so serious, dragging their innocent friend into the mess with them. Given the gravity of the situation, the manager's ability to restrain his anger to just a few slaps was a testament to his self-control, even if the sting of those blows lingered as a painful reminder of their actions.The man cracked his knuckles with a series of sharp, crunchy sounds, then fixed the group with a cold, piercing stare. "You know why I did that, right?"Wincing and rubbing his stinging cheek, Taehyun responded with a casual tone, "Actually… no. All I know is that you slapped us out of nowhere. Shouldn't you at least explain?"The manager's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring at Taehyun's audacity. "What's there to explain? I'm pretty sure all of you already get the gist of it."His eyes then shifted toward Soobin, the only one left untouched. "Can you tell me the truth?" The question was laden with the weight of trust, a trust that he placed in Soobin’s honesty above all else.The trio exchanged nervous glances. It wasn’t the fear of being found out that unsettled them—they had already accepted that the manager might suspect something. It was Soobin’s potential response that worried them. If Soobin decided to spill the beans, they would need to reassess his role within their plans. His honesty could become a significant obstacle, and they hoped he would at least attempt to deflect or lie.Soobin remained silent, deep in thought, his expression conflicted. The manager's trust in him was clear, and for a moment, it seemed like he might break under the pressure. But then, Beomgyu, still unconscious on his back, stirred slightly, his head shifting as if searching for comfort. The movement seemed to give Soobin an idea. He looked back at the manager and spoke up with a calm but firm tone, "I apologize, but I need to get Beomgyu to his bed right now. Can we postpone this discussion? I’ll give you an answer later."The trio inwardly groaned, frustrated by Soobin’s response. Technically, he hadn’t spilled the beans, but he hadn’t done them any favors either. By suggesting a delay, Soobin had essentially confirmed that something was indeed being hidden, which only deepened the manager’s suspicions. It was a weak and poorly thought-out reply.The manager reluctantly agreed to Soobin's request, allowing him to leave with Beomgyu. As soon as the door closed behind Soobin, the tension in the room thickened. The man's gaze hardened, cutting through the trio like a knife. "Only Soobin. The rest of you stay here," he ordered, ensuring that none of them would follow the leader.The room fell into a tense silence, his voice was sharp as he confronted the remaining three. "I know you three had lured Beomgyu into bars again. Just admit it."Yeonjun, ever the smooth talker, chuckled lightly, trying to deflect the accusation. "Sir, if you're joking, it's not really funny. Sure, we might hit up some bars, but saying we 'lured' Beomgyu is a bit much."The manager's patience wore thin. "So you admit that he didn’t just 'happen' to feel sleepy and faint."Kai, enjoying the game, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Wellll... you could say he had one or two drinks before getting tired."The man's temper snapped, his voice rising in anger. "YOU LET HIM DRINK ALCOHOL?!!"Yeonjun raised his hands in a calming gesture, his tone still smooth, "Please, relax. A little wine won't get him drunk. Besides, we're all adults here, it's normal for us to have a drink.""Yes, except you adults are IDOLS." The manager spat, his irritation growing. "Going to bars is already risky, but you dragged Beomgyu into your mess and took advantage of him!"Taehyun grinned slyly. "Oh? Took advantage of him, you say? Can you be more specific?"The trio found twisted amusement in forcing the manager to articulate the vulgar reality of what he suspected. They knew he was struggling with the language, avoiding explicit words despite knowing full well what had happened. They wanted to make him say out loud what everyone in the room already knew, daring him to abandon the pretense and confront the truth directly.The manager’s jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He knew they were toying with him, but the anger and concern he felt for Beomgyu’s wellbeing was too strong to ignore. "You know exactly what I mean!" He hissed. "Don't play dumb with me. I’m talking about what you did to him! The way you’ve been treating him like... like he’s some toy for your amusement! You think I’m blind?"The trio’s smiles faded slightly as the manager’s words hit closer to home. They had been expecting to dance around the topic, but the manager wasn’t playing along anymore.The manager sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to stave off a severe headache. "You boys think this is a game, don't you?" His voice was low, almost a growl. "Your careers, your reputations—everything you've worked for—can be destroyed by one scandal, and you're playing with fire."He continued. "You crossed a line. This isn’t just about having a good time, this is about responsibility. You’re supposed to look out for each other, not push one member to the brink for your own amusement!"The trio exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from discontent to indifferent. They didn’t see the situation the same way the manager did. To them, it was just another night out—perhaps a bit more intense than usual, but nothing that warranted this level of concern....In another room, Soobin carefully laid Beomgyu down on the bed, gently loosening his hold as he let the younger boy's head rest on the soft pillow. Though Soobin's touch was tender, the small movement caused Beomgyu to stir. His eyelids fluttered open, and his vision blurred as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.The first thing Beomgyu noticed was Soobin sitting beside him, massaging the red marks on his wrists. The gentle pressure was almost comforting, but as the memories of what had led to those marks resurfaced, a wave of fear washed over him.Instinctively, Beomgyu pulled his hands back, clutching them at his sides. His eyes widened, and his breath quickened, panic setting in. The terror he felt wasn’t directed at Soobin—it wasn’t about Soobin at all. It was the memory of what had happened with Taehyun that haunted him. What started as something pleasurable had quickly spiraled into something overwhelming and frightening. The breaking point was when Taehyun pushed him beyond his limits, ignoring Beomgyu's pleas to stop.He had told Taehyun he didn’t like it, that it was too much, but the younger boy had continued anyway, as if it were just a game. The experience had shaken Beomgyu to his core, making him doubt whether he could ever engage in such activities again. No matter how much Taehyun might try to convince him otherwise, it felt like a violation."How do you feel right now?" Soobin's soothing voice broke through his troubled thoughts. Beomgyu looked up, meeting his hyung’s concerned gaze.Soobin’s eyes were genuine, filled with a deep sense of responsibility that seemed to silently say ‘Don’t worry, I’m here.’ Beomgyu felt as though he could confide in him, revealing the terrors he had experienced—but he stopped himself just as quickly.That reassurance felt strangely familiar, even the way Soobin’s eyes conveyed comfort reminded him of… Taehyun, who had once soothed him after a nightmare. This situation was eerily similar.His trust in Taehyun had been built after his experience with Yeonjun, but that trust was shattered after the incident not long ago. And now, with Soobin sitting before him, it felt as though each member was taking turns with him, spending time in a way that seemed too intentional. If that were true, then Soobin might be just like the others—waiting to take advantage of his trust for their own desires. Beomgyu didn’t want to believe Soobin was capable of such things, but he couldn’t shake the ominous feeling.For now, Beomgyu knew he had to avoid being manipulated into trusting again."I'm fine..." He forced out the same empty reassurance. "I just need to rest more, my body feels a little sore."Soobin nodded understandingly. "Okay, I'll let the staff know about your condition. Do you need any massage?"The younger boy quickly shook his head. "No, I just need to lie here. I'm perfectly fine.""You sure?" Soobin looked doubtful."Yeah, see?" Beomgyu pushed himself to sit up and twisted his upper body, moving his arms around to stretch. But the action caused his joints to crack audibly, and he had to bite back a cry of pain.The leader sighed at the obvious lie. "Lie down on your chest. I'll help you."Beomgyu groaned, clearly frustrated. "Soobin, stop worrying about me so much. I know you care, but my body isn't THAT sore.""Beomgyu, you always laugh off something serious because you think you can handle it, but you usually can't." Soobin insisted, "Let me take care of you. Being honest about your vulnerabilities isn't a bad thing.""No, if you keep forcing me, I'll make you leave my room." His voice was sharp with defiance, a rudeness he rarely directed at his hyung or anyone. But there were two reasons behind it.The first reason Beomgyu told himself was that he needed to be clear about what he wanted and didn't want. He felt it was important to draw a line and ensure no one could cross it. Being the type who struggles to say 'no' and is easily swayed, Beomgyu believed he had to be firm and decisive.However, this was just the reason he clung to in order to justify his sudden rudeness. In reality, he wasn’t as mature as he gave himself credit for. The truth was that Soobin’s kindness had brought out the bratty side of Beomgyu. He knew Soobin wouldn’t reprimand him, even if he bluntly pushed him away. Beomgyu believed there would be no consequences for rejecting his hyung’s offer, so he felt no fear in doing so.In other words, Beomgyu wasn’t being firm or strong, he was acting like a brat without even realizing it.Time seemed to stretch endlessly as Soobin stared at him, silent and contemplative. Beomgyu could tell there was something on his mind, but it was unclear what. The thoughtful gaze made the situation feel unsettling, adding to the tension of the moment.Just as the awkward silence reached its height, Soobin finally spoke, "I understand. Rest well, I'll give you some time alone."A wave of surprise and relief washed over Beomgyu. He hadn’t expected his tactic to work on Soobin, and the fact that the older member agreed to leave him alone without pressing further made him feel victorious. Being firm was definitely paying off."Thanks, bye." Beomgyu waved at his hyung as Soobin left the room. He relished the peace and made a mental note to try this approach with the other members, thinking he had found the perfect way to assert his boundaries and avoid being swayed by their gentle words.Unfortunately…Beomgyu didn’t realize that Soobin was actually having a strange mix of irritation and a growing desire to assert control. He didn’t like the rude tone Beomgyu used or the way the younger boy spoke as though he could command his hyung. Beomgyu’s attitude wasn’t fitting for an adult; instead, it made him seem like a brat in need of discipline.For now, Beomgyu was safe because Soobin hadn't fully recognized or understood these feelings yet, allowing him to stick to his usual kind demeanor. But when Soobin came to terms with that inner desire, Beomgyu's defiance would come to a swift end....The night dragged on with an awkward tension between the group and the manager. Whenever the manager faced TXT members, his sour expression was impossible to miss. It softened when Beomgyu or Soobin were involved, hardening again when he turned to the remaining three.The staff, already accustomed to the manager’s difficult personality, couldn't help but notice the blatant double standard. It was obvious, but whenever someone tried to ask about the change in attitude, the manager would dodge the question like usual.In reality, he had every reason to explain himself, but he kept the truth hidden, torn by his deep affection for the group. He genuinely cared for them and feared the consequences if they disbanded—not just for the members or the company, but for the fans as well.It was this soft spot that Yeonjun had exploited, striking a deal that only worsened the situation: the group would behave and keep their actions under wraps, as long as they could continue spending time with Beomgyu. They didn't need the manager to cover for them—just to stay out of their way.It was a simple request, but the consequences of such an agreement were disastrous.Initially, the manager issued a stern warning to the trio, making it clear that he would be forced to take action if their criminal behavior continued. It was meant to intimidate them into stopping, a final attempt to exert control. But their calm, almost indifferent reactions, combined with the audacity to offer him a deal, left him feeling utterly defeated. He had thought a threat might scare them into submission, but instead, it only showed how deep they were into this mess.Barely clinging to the last remnants of his rationality, the manager decided to leave the room before he could be manipulated into accepting their disturbing proposition. It was a moment that ultimately set the stage for the dynamics he now faced with the group.As the night progressed and everyone prepared for bed, the manager's paranoia grew. The fear that the trio might take advantage of the night kept gnawing at him, so he decided to check on each member. Only after confirming that all of them were indeed in their rooms did he retreat to his own, though he was far from reassured.Meanwhile, Beomgyu was tossing and turning restlessly in his bed, struggling to find a comfortable position. A mild, unfamiliar muscle strain nagged at him, making it impossible to settle down. He had taken a long, soothing shower before bed in hopes of feeling refreshed, thinking it would help him drift off more easily. But even that hadn’t been enough to ease his discomfort.Another reason sleep continued to elude him was the haunting memories of his recent time with Taehyun. Only a day before, he had suffered a nightmare after an intimate encounter with Yeonjun, and now, with Taehyun’s turn fresh in his mind, he couldn’t shake the fear that another nightmare might follow. The thought of reliving that kind of torment weighed heavily on his mind, making it harder for him to relax.Just then, a series of knocks came from the door. The sound was neither too loud nor too soft—just noticeable enough for the person inside to hear.Naturally, Beomgyu opened the door, expecting to see a staff member. Instead, he found his manager standing there, the same one who had already checked in on him not too long ago. The stern expression on the man’s face hadn’t changed, and it immediately put Beomgyu on edge.Before Beomgyu could utter a word, the manager cut in. "We need to talk. This is important," His tone left no room for argument. "I’m not even gonna ask if you have time, because I know you’ve got plenty of it right now."The way the manager spoke made it clear—he wasn’t interested in hearing excuses; he expected Beomgyu to drop whatever he was thinking and listen closely. Sensing the weight behind those words, Beomgyu nodded silently, willing to hear him out.The manager had spent time thinking over the trio’s proposal. He’d considered keeping quiet, covering for them like he had been asked, but he knew it would only scratch the surface of the issue, not truly fix it. In fact, it might even make things worse in the long run.And… to be honest, the manager suspected Beomgyu had already picked up on what was going on. After all, the constant physical contact, the lingering touches—it wasn’t something that could go unnoticed for long, even by someone as seemingly oblivious as Beomgyu. Surely, the boy had to realize that something was off.They both had unspoken knowledge of the situation, but neither had addressed it directly, likely for the sake of keeping the peace within the group. All it really needed was a simple conversation between the two of them—just a few honest words could bring the truth out into the open.It should have been easy. Yet the manager had chosen to confront the other members first, trusting in their sense of morality. Looking back, he realized what a poor decision that had been.Beomgyu noticed how they were both still awkwardly standing in the doorway. "Sir, would you like to come in?" he offered.But the manager waved a hand dismissively. "No need. There are cameras in the hallway. If someone catches footage of me entering your room this late at night, it could cause unnecessary trouble. And frankly, I’m not in the mood to answer a bunch of pointless questions."His tone shifted as he continued, "I’ll cut straight to the point. The other four members... they have romantic feelings for you, but not in a healthy way. They’ve been taking advantage of your innocence to feed their own twisted desires. You must have noticed it by now, right?"The words hit Beomgyu like a punch to the gut. His body froze in place, and he stammered. "Y-You knew?!"The man resisted the urge to sigh. Of course I knew. You're the only one too stupid to see it, he kept that thought to himself. To be fair, most of the staff were just as clueless, so calling Beomgyu 'stupid' would be too harsh. Still, it amazed him how the boy could be so unaware of the dynamics right under his nose.The manager knew Beomgyu would probably start blurting out a stream of incoherent words, thinking he'd been caught. To stop him, he pressed a finger against the boy’s lips, silencing him before the words could spill out. Leaning in slightly, the man’s voice dropped to an almost breathy tone. "Don’t try to explain, all you need to do is keep a cool head around the other members. Learn to say 'no' when necessary, and avoid going anywhere suspicious with them. Got it?"Beomgyu nodded with the finger still pressed on his lips. The manager's tense expression softened just a bit and he withdrew his hand."Good," he murmured. "As a matter of fact, I don’t know how to handle this. I can’t expose the truth without destroying the group's careers, but I also can’t let them keep doing this to you. I’m sorry, but… for now, just follow my advice. I’ll try to find a solution that won’t blow everything up."Beomgyu could hear the strain in the manager's voice, see the tension in the way his brows furrowed. The man looked like he was carrying the weight of this whole situation on his shoulders. While Beomgyu had noticed the odd behavior from the other members, he never imagined it was because they had feelings for him. It felt surreal, like something out of a K-Drama, but twisted with an unsettling darkness.Still, trusting the manager more than anyone else at that moment, Beomgyu slowly nodded again, agreeing to follow his instructions.To reassure him, the manager offered a small, encouraging smile. "Don’t worry too much. You can trust Soobin to some extent. He might have been dragged into this situation against his will, which means there’s a chance he can be reasoned with. You can relax around him a little, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down entirely."The other boy’s eyes dropped to the floor as he pondered the manager’s words. It was indeed hard to imagine Soobin as cunning or manipulative; the leader had always seemed genuine in his way. If there was anyone in the group who might be approachable or even salvageable, it would be Soobin.Maybe Beomgyu could afford to lower his defenses around him, if only slightly. As long as he was careful, what could possibly go wrong?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Even though it was well past midnight, Beomgyu and the manager weren’t the only ones still awake. Quiet conversations flickered back and forth between the other members over their phones:
Yeonjun:
Good evening. You guys know why I’m messaging this late, right?
Taehyun:
Let me guess, the manager had a talk with Beomgyu?
Yeonjun:
Bingo. And trust me, it wasn’t just some casual talk.
Kai:
Figures. Our manager really knows how to get under our skin. Why couldn’t he just go along with our plan? Would’ve made everything smoother.
Yeonjun:
He’s stubborn and only sticks to his principles, even if it means going against us.
Yeonjun:
But he made a mistake.
Kai:
For going against us and spilling the truth to Beomgyu?
Yeonjun:
No, for thinking that warning Beomgyu could actually solve anything. We're a group, working and being around each other is unavoidable.
Taehyun:
Exactly. And he can’t keep an eye on us 24/7. He’s bound to leave us alone at some point for his own business.
Soobin:
Uh… how does that NOT solve the problem? If Beomgyu stops trusting you three, you won’t be able to manipulate him into doing shady stuff anymore.
Kai:
Hold up, why are you acting like you’re not involved? You’re part of this now, stop pretending to be the good guy and cooperate!
Taehyun:
You know, it’s funny how Soobin always seems uncomfortable with our plans, maybe even hates them, but still helps us pull them off.
Yeonjun:
I’ve noticed that too.
Yeonjun:
Soobin, don’t you think you’re being a bit… hypocritical?
Soobin:
I’m not! I just don’t want any of you to hurt Beomgyu physically!
Kai:
But it’s fine if the damage is internal? Quite the logic you’ve got there.
Soobin:
That’s not what I mean!
Yeonjun:
I think you’re misunderstanding something, Soobin. You’re confusing the instinct to protect Beomgyu with the thrill of watching him suffer.
Yeonjun:
I get it, I struggled with the same thing at first. But eventually, I realized you just have to embrace those desires.
Soobin:
Yeonjun, to be honest…
Soobin:
I’m starting to wonder why we’re all so drawn to Beomgyu. He’s like... a magnet.
Yeonjun:
Well, yeah. He’s incredibly desirable.
Soobin:
No, that’s not what you used to think! You’ve always hated the idea of fans shipping us with each other, so why are you okay with it now?
Yeonjun:
You’re right, I did hate it. But people change, Soobin. Opinions evolve, and so did mine.
Soobin:
None of us are acting like ourselves anymore. It’s like we’re possessed!
Kai:
Guys, I think he’s lost his mind.
Taehyun:
Soobin, even if we were somehow forced to fall for Beomgyu, how exactly would the 'culprit' pull that off? Some kind of ritual?
Soobin:
I know it sounds crazy, but…
Soobin:
Did a devil cast a curse on Beomgyu or something? It would explain the temptation.
Kai:
Yep, he’s definitely lost it.
Taehyun:
You do realize that whole devil thing was just part of the concept the company put into our songs to get fans talking, right?
Soobin:
I know! That’s why I said it sounds crazy!
Yeonjun:
Even if it were true, why would the devil target Beomgyu, of all people? Why a ‘love’ curse? And why does it only affect us?
Soobin:
How would I know?! Stop throwing all the questions at me!
Kai:
I couldn’t care less about your theories or whatever made us obsessed with Beomgyu. All I care about is how long I have to wait until it’s my turn.
Taehyun:
You’re way too impatient. If you push too hard, you’ll just end up scaring Beomgyu off.
Kai:
Hyung, I’ll be real with you, we need to drop this fake kindness act. Beomgyu might be naive, but he’s not blind. He’s already catching on.
Kai:
We can’t lie to him forever, and if we want him to sleep with us, using the same tricks won’t work anymore.
Taehyun:
You got a point. We can’t tell him "It’s normal for friends to have sex" and expect him to believe it.
Kai:
Exactly! That’s why we should stop pretending and just confess to him directly.
Taehyun:
I’m gonna have to disagree. That’s like outright admitting we’ve been manipulating him all along. I’d rather stick to my nice-guy image, thank you very much.
Taehyun:
Anyway, we’re wasting time. Soobin, tell us your plan.
Soobin:
Um... I don’t know. I just don’t like the idea of making Beomgyu uncomfortable.
Kai:
Let’s skip his turn then.
Taehyun:
No, we agreed to support each other and be fair.
Kai:
But he hasn’t shown any sign of cooperating with us!
Yeonjun:
Alright, enough arguing. Let me talk.
Yeonjun:
Kai and Taehyun gave me an idea, and I think Soobin is the only one who can pull it off smoothly.
Soobin:
Why me?
Yeonjun:
Because Beomgyu trusts you more than anyone else. You’re too kind.
Taehyun:
What's the plan?
Yeonjun:
Let me break it down first. Having sex with Beomgyu is more complicated than it seems, mainly because of how tight he is. We need to address that before going any further.
Kai:
Are you saying we should stretch his anus first?
Yeonjun:
Yep. It’ll help him feel more comfortable and make the whole experience better for both sides.
Taehyun:
You make it sound like this isn’t sexual assault to begin with.
Yeonjun:
It’s not, as long as Beomgyu enjoys it.
Taehyun:
That’s a twisted way of thinking, but I like where you’re going. Still, I’ve got one question.
Taehyun:
How exactly is Soobin supposed to convince Beomgyu to let him touch him like that? Let alone stretch him?
Yeonjun:
You’ll understand soon. It may take time, but here’s how we’ll do it.
...Meanwhile, at the manager's insistence, Beomgyu reluctantly started talking about his recent activities with the other members. With each word, the manager's irritation seemed to mount. His expression tightened with every detail Beomgyu shared, to the point where the boy half-expected him to pop a vein. It was clear the manager wanted to curse, but he was biting his lips to keep his anger in check.Then came what Beomgyu would like to think of as his 'free common sense class', a session where the manager laid out the basics of social norms—things a typical person would know. Beomgyu listened attentively, asking questions when he was unsure, "So you mean... hooking up with friends isn’t normal?" only to be met with a vehement response."OF COURSE NOT!!!" The manager snapped, clearly exasperated. "Kissing, getting into bed, stripping, touching, biting, giving blow jobs! What's next? Intercourse?! How can you possibly think any of that is normal between friends?! Seriously! What has your brain been doing all this time?!"As the manager's harsh words continued to fly, Beomgyu could almost feel the invisible daggers aimed at him. Though the man never directly called him stupid, the implication was clear."Hah..." He finally let out a long, exhausted sigh after his tirade, rubbing his temples like it had become a conditioned reflex. He murmured, "This is the worst possible scenario... When did it all start?" His question hung in the air, not really directed at anyone, more of a helpless lament as his gaze drifted toward the floor.Beomgyu noticed the manager’s shoulders trembling, his head slowly lowering as if on the verge of tears. Despite his stern demeanor, the man had always cared deeply about the group and the company. But now, with things spiraling out of control, Beomgyu realized there was no turning back to the good old days. They had crossed a line, and the weight of that was crushing the manager.The man began rubbing his own hair, gripping and pulling at it in a frantic, almost desperate manner. His muttered words became incoherent as he seemed to wrestle with the impossible question of how to undo everything. At that moment, Beomgyu feared he might actually lose his mind.“S-Sir, please calm down." Beomgyu stepped forward instinctively, hands outstretched as though he might hug the man if he broke down completely. The boy was unsure if he could do anything to help, but unable to just stand by and watch.The manager took a deep breath, gradually calming himself before lifting his head to meet Beomgyu’s gaze. But the moment their eyes locked, he froze.There was something in the way the manager looked at him that made Beomgyu uneasy. Thinking there might be something on his face, he asked, "Is everything alright?"But instead of answering clearly, the manager unconsciously mumbled something under his breath—so faint that Beomgyu almost didn’t catch it. "Maybe you’re the problem…""Huh?" Beomgyu blinked, unsure if he had misheard that shocking statement.Realizing what he had just said, the manager instantly shook his head, looking flabbergasted by his own words. "No no... I didn’t mean that. It's just..."He knew it wasn’t right to blame Beomgyu. The boy was the victim here—or at least, that’s what it seemed. But still, something about the situation felt off. With his innocence and naivety, Beomgyu had unintentionally tempted the other members to the point where boundaries were crossed. It didn’t make sense. Either Beomgyu was a secret mastermind manipulating everything, or... he was just that desirable.The former would’ve made for a great plot twist in a novel, where the so-called victim was the one pulling the strings all along, the mastermind behind the chaos. But the manager knew better. This was reality, and no such convenient scenario could happen here. He understood Beomgyu too well—this boy wasn’t some hidden genius plotting in the shadows. No, he was just plain stupid, a clueless boy who had unwittingly found himself at the center of a storm.There was a slight hesitation before he continued, "It's just that... you seem to have this kind of allure. When people look into your eyes, they get captivated. On top of that, when you offer them kindness, especially when they’re at their lowest, it melts their hearts. And when they become obsessed... well, you know where that can lead."Beomgyu immediately arrived at his own conclusion. "So, you're saying they like me because I'm good-looking and kind?"The manager shook his head with a sigh. "No, every idol is both good-looking and kind. There’s something else about you that they find irresistible. Personally, I’d say it’s your stupi—I mean, naivety."The quick correction came like a flash, but Beomgyu had already caught the near-slip. The roast lingered in the air, unspoken but clear as day. Even when he softened it to 'naivety', it didn't make the sting any less painful.It wasn’t the first time someone hinted at his lack of common sense or intelligence. In fact, he had begun to wonder if he really was… dumb. But in reality, they weren’t calling him stupid; they were pointing out how utterly clueless he could be. And that, somehow, was part of his charm.The manager let out another sigh, "I never expected your intelligence to be this limited. No wonder you got tricked."Beomgyu bristled at the implication, not liking how the man made it seem like everything was his fault for being foolish. He straightened up, trying to protect what little pride he had left. "Sir, that's not true. I'm always close with the other members, so when they pushed boundaries, I got confused. If it had been a stranger, I would've been more cautious."The manager shot him an indifferent glance. "Yeah, sure. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re too trusting."Beomgyu furrowed his brows, groaning internally. But then something hit him—he was having a relatively normal conversation with the manager, as if they were friends. It felt strange how they’d become unintentionally closer, and Beomgyu found himself speaking casually, without the usual formality.The manager's strict demeanor didn’t unsettle him the way it once had. If anything, Beomgyu found himself preferring this blunt, no-nonsense attitude over the sweet words from his bandmates.Noticing the faint cheerfulness that had crept onto Beomgyu’s face, the manager raised an eyebrow. "What are you smiling about?"Beomgyu shook his head, still wearing that unconscious grin. It quickly turned into a yawn. The manager glanced at the time, realizing how late it had gotten. He decided to wrap up the conversation. "Just remember what I said and follow through. You can still be friendly around them, but keep your distance if they get too touchy. And while you're at it, try to convince Soobin to join our side."Beomgyu blinked, confused. "Convince him? But what if I fail? Can't you do it instead?""You idiot!" The manager hissed. "I’m asking you because I can’t! I tried earlier, and he hesitated to tell me anything. He’s more likely to listen to you, so it’s better if you handle it. Don’t worry, Soobin is the type to be understanding. He’ll agree if you approach him right." It gained a nod from Beomgyu.They ultimately reached a decision and returned to their beds. The manager, however, was far from at ease. He made a mental note to keep the other members as busy as possible—piling on more work, scheduling extra practice sessions, anything to keep them occupied and away from Beomgyu. His mind raced, trying to figure out how to contain this growing problem without tipping off the higher-ups. He wanted to handle it on his own, for as long as he could, until there were no other options left.It wasn’t that the manager doubted the company’s ability to deal with TXT—quite the opposite. The company could handle the situation. But that was precisely what worried him.Their idea of 'handling' things always came with a cost. Their priority would be the brand, the group as a whole, not the individual members. In Beomgyu’s case, the company might not even try to save him. Instead, they might force him to accept his fate, seeing him as expendable. Sacrificing one naive individual to protect four talented members and the company’s pristine reputation was a trade they wouldn’t hesitate to make.The manager saw the harsh reality, but his hands were tied. If he exposed the truth, the company could very well decide to get rid of him—literally. He knew too much, and in this industry, that kind of knowledge could be dangerous.The company wasn’t a saint. It wasn’t even fair. The only reason the group had made it this far, thriving in the spotlight, was due to their immense talent. But now, with their fame reaching new heights, disbanding them wasn’t an option anymore. Doing so would cause a massive stir within the fandom, potentially damaging the company’s reputation and leading to significant losses. This was no longer just about managing idols—it was about protecting an empire!The manager considered filing a proposition to overload the members' schedules, packing their days so tightly that they'd have no time to rest, let alone harass Beomgyu. In theory, it seemed like a solution—if they were too busy, they wouldn’t have the energy to stir up trouble. But deep down, he knew it was an impossible scenario.To justify such a drastic change in management, he'd need a compelling reason. And if he wasn’t careful, the company might view him as a selfish jerk trying to 'milk' the group for money.That title, in his opinion, rightfully belonged to the company.Even worse, if anyone had it out for him, all it would take was a few rumors spread online to destroy his reputation. With his lack of public presence, he'd be painted as the villain almost instantly. People loved to tear down those they didn’t know.Lying on his bed, he sighed deeply, resting the back of his hand against his forehead. "Fame sure is a nice thing." He muttered wearily. "No matter how much fucked-up stuff you do, there’ll always be people willing to defend you." The bitter truth of the industry weighed heavily on him as he stared at the ceiling, wondering how long he could keep this fragile balance from breaking.With a heavy sigh, he drifted off to sleep, silently praying that things would at least go his way tomorrow. But deep down, he knew better—reality always had a cruel way of reminding him that his luck was among the worst!...The next morning arrived quickly, and by 5 a.m, the manager was already awake. Something had been nagging at him, so he decided to check on the boys to ensure they were still asleep. Starting with Yeonjun’s room, he quietly opened the door, only to find it empty. His heart dropped. Yeonjun was nowhere to be found!Without thinking, his legs carried him straight to Beomgyu’s room. This time, the manager didn’t bother being discreet. He twisted the door handle and practically burst into the room. The sudden intrusion startled Beomgyu awake, his eyes wide with confusion as he blinked rapidly, trying to process what was going on.Seeing Beomgyu still in bed, the manager exhaled sharply, a wave of relief washing over him. "Thank God..." he muttered under his breath."Uh... is something wrong?" Beomgyu inquired.The manager, still on edge, responded with a question of his own. "Did anyone enter your room while you were asleep?" The moment the words left his mouth, he realized how absurd it sounded. How would Beomgyu know if he was sleeping?Still, Beomgyu answered, "No... not that I noticed.""Good," the man muttered, his eyes quickly scanning the room. He knew he wouldn't find anything suspicious, but the action gave him a momentary sense of control over the situation.The boy, still drowsy, turned his head toward the nightstand, reaching for his water bottle. He unscrewed the cap and began to pour water into the nearby glass. Just as he was about to take a sip, the glass was swiftly snatched from his hand. He blinked in surprise, looking up to see the manager standing over him, his expression as tense as ever."Don’t drink this. I'll get you a fresh bottle with a straw later," he said firmly before walking to the corner of the room and pouring the water from the glass onto a small plant, then did the same with the rest of the bottle’s contents.Beomgyu was taken aback, but he quickly pieced together the manager’s reasoning—he was just being overly cautious, ensuring nothing harmful entered Beomgyu’s system.Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the manager was going overboard. "Sir, I appreciate you looking out for me, but this is a bit…" He stopped there, knowing the man would understand what he was hinting at.The manager's gaze flicked back to Beomgyu, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Nothing I do is a bit much," he said. "This is for your own good."Beomgyu held his tongue, unable to argue, and truthfully, not wanting to. It wasn’t like he could question the man who had to deal with the endless problems he and his bandmates had caused.Sensing the tension, the manager shifted the conversation. "I checked Yeonjun's room earlier, and he was gone. I thought he might've snuck into your room."Beomgyu raised a brow, confused. "Why didn’t you ask the staff? Some of them might know. And it's not like Yeonjun could leave the hotel without permission." His suggestion, though simple, knocked some sense back into the man.He had been so panicked, so focused on the worst-case scenario, that he hadn’t even considered asking the hotel staff. The hotel was full of people who were awake; someone was bound to know where Yeonjun had gone. Perhaps his overprotectiveness was clouding his judgment."Alright. Get up and do your morning routine. I’ll go ask around," he replied. Beomgyu nodded in response, slipping out of bed as the manager left.After some inquiries, he learned from the staff that Yeonjun had gone out for a stroll with Soobin not long ago. He quickly asked if anyone had accompanied them, and the female staff member confirmed that, yes, there were staff with them. That brought him some relief—Yeonjun wouldn’t be able to pull anything reckless with people keeping an eye on him."Though... there was something strange," she added.His curiosity spiked. "What was it?""Well…" She began thinking back, "It’s pretty cold at this time in the morning, so we suggested they wear warmer clothes. But they declined, which was odd."The manager’s suspicion flared. What are they up to now? It wasn’t so much that every problem had to involve Beomgyu directly, but it was the fact that, more often than not, it did. Every disaster, no matter how small, somehow circled back to the boy, and the manager had learned to be wary of the pattern.Beomgyu soon appeared in the lobby, dressed casually in a plain T-shirt and knee-length trousers. His eyes scanned the room as if searching for something. The manager, quick to notice, handed him a bottle with a straw already inside."Make sure you don’t drink or eat anything without my approval," he warned.Beomgyu appreciated the man's caution, but he wasn't really thirsty anymore. "Uh… can I have juice instead?" he asked with an awkward smile."No," the man replied flatly, leaving no room for negotiation. Beomgyu sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing.Breakfast was an uncomfortable affair, with the manager’s watchful eyes making Beomgyu feel more stressed than usual. Just as he was trying to focus on eating, Kai and Taehyun strolled into the lobby, yawning and stretching, before attempting to join Beomgyu at the table.But the manager was quick to intervene, blocking them with an outstretched arm. "You two sit anywhere but here.""Where are we supposed to sit?" Taehyun asked, glancing around. The table was clearly the best option in the room.The manager’s voice turned cold. "Sit on the floor if you have to, but stay at least a meter away from this table."Everyone present was well aware of the man’s increasingly overbearing behavior, including Beomgyu, who couldn’t shake the feeling that he was some kind of rare specimen being kept on display, carefully guarded from any would-be intruders.Kai couldn’t resist smirking. He leaned in close to the manager and whispered, low enough for only them to hear, "Looks like we're not the only ones obsessed with him."Feeling the need to resolve the situation, a staff member finally intervened. "You’re being too harsh on the boys. Just talk to us about whatever issues you’re facing," they suggested. It took a few minutes of persuasion, but the staff managed to convince him to let Kai and Taehyun join Beomgyu for breakfast, though his watchful gaze never left them.A short while later, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside, and everyone turned to see the remaining two members returning with some staff members in tow. But what surprised everyone was how utterly drenched Soobin looked. He was soaked from head to toe, a large towel draped over his head and wrapped around his shivering body. Water droplets continued to drip onto the floor as he walked. At first glance, it appeared as though he had just come from a swim.Beomgyu immediately stopped eating and stood up, making his way toward the pair. But the manager was already a step ahead, turning to Yeonjun with a frown. "What happened?"Yeonjun wore an equally concerned expression as he replied, "Soobin accidentally fell into a lake." The man's doubtful gaze shifted to the staff members who had followed them, seeking confirmation. They nodded, providing a more detailed account.Both boys had been strolling by the lake when Yeonjun wanted to take a picture of Soobin standing near the water's edge. As Yeonjun adjusted the angle, he kept advising Soobin to move back for a better shot. The younger boy followed the instructions, backing up until his foot nearly slipped off the edge. The staff had rushed over to warn him, but they were too late. Soobin took one more step back, lost his balance, and fell into the lake, the short fence doing nothing to support his tall frame.After hearing the explanation, the manager couldn’t help but glance back at Yeonjun, suspicion flickering in his eyes. It wasn’t that he doubted the staff’s words, but the entire situation felt too unnatural. Why had Yeonjun told Soobin to move back, when he could’ve easily shifted positions himself? How had Soobin not noticed how close he was to the edge? And, most importantly, why hadn’t Yeonjun warned him?Normally, the manager would assume Yeonjun was up to something, maybe even trying to harm Soobin intentionally. But the way things escalated so conveniently made him suspect that Soobin had participated in it, too. Now that Soobin had fallen into the lake in the freezing morning, the odds of him coming down with a fever were high.Did the trio already know he was planning to talk to Soobin, to convince him to break away from their twisted dynamic? Were they trying to incapacitate him, making him too sick for either the manager or Beomgyu to approach?He mulled over another possibility—perhaps the trio had tasked Soobin with manipulating Beomgyu in their place. They knew the man trusted the leader more than the others, which made Soobin the perfect candidate to get close to Beomgyu without raising too much suspicion. If that was the case, the manager would need to advise Beomgyu to signal him if Soobin ever acted suspiciously.After all, their ultimate goal was to recruit Soobin to their side, and in order to do that, they’d have to get close to him. The manager couldn’t always be by Beomgyu’s side to keep watch; there were moments when he’d have to leave, and those were the most vulnerable times. Despite his trust in Soobin, the idea of leaving Beomgyu alone with the leader still made him uneasy.Thinking back to their last conversation, Soobin hadn’t even answered his question from yesterday. But the manager decided to let it slide until Soobin was okay. For now, the boy was advised to stay behind and get checked for any signs of illness, while the others proceeded with their usual schedule....By the time everyone had finished their routines, it was already late afternoon. The manager had been careful to keep the trio especially busy, piling on extra chores and tasks to make their already tight schedule even more exhausting.It worked—by the time they piled into the van, the boys were gasping for air, completely worn out from the day’s events. Fatigue had finally caught up with them.The man knew his reputation among the staff had probably taken a hit after that. Some of them had likely noticed how he was pushing the boys harder than usual. But he wasn’t ready to explain his reasoning yet, partly because he didn’t trust anyone enough to tell them.Call it paranoia, but in this industry, scandals spread like wildfire. He couldn’t be certain if any staff member would sell them out for a quick buck, uploading some story to the internet that could blow everything wide open. After all, people would do anything for money."I heard Soobin got sick. How's he doing now?" Beomgyu's soft voice startled the manager, who hadn't noticed him approach from behind."He took some medicine and is resting, or at least that’s what I was told," he replied. As he turned back toward the staff, he noticed their wide-eyed expressions. He raised a brow, "What?"One of the staff members hesitated before explaining, "It's just... we're surprised by how casually Beomgyu talks to you without using 'Sir' or anything formal. And even more surprising is how you respond, like you're friends or something."The manager was about to deny it, but paused. They weren’t entirely wrong. He hadn’t even realized how natural it had become for Beomgyu to speak informally to him, and for him to respond without irritation. It was strange, especially considering how most people saw him as difficult or unapproachable.Another person quickly chimed in with a teasing grin, "Well, can you blame him? Who wouldn’t love Beomgyu?"The said boy flushed, cheeks turning a soft pink as he ducked his head bashfully.The manager raised his hand without missing a beat. "Me, obviously." His deadpan tone drew a round of laughter from the staff, lightening the mood even more.But then, something shifted in the air. Beomgyu froze, feeling an icy chill run down his spine. It was as if a dark, suffocating presence had filled the van. Slowly, he turned his head to the back, where he was met with three pairs of eyes—Yeonjun, Kai, and Taehyun—locked onto him, their gazes sharp and predatory. The intensity of their stares was unsettling, like wolves eyeing their prey from the shadows.Beomgyu swallowed hard, sweat breaking out across his skin. Instinctively, he averted his gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. The front of the van suddenly felt much safer than the back, where the trio lurked. He had a creeping suspicion that if he got too close to them, they might grab him, pull him into the back, and... who knows what they would do. Not that they could actually pull anything in the van, but that didn’t stop his imagination from running wild. Better to stay right where he was.On the trio's side, the jealousy they felt toward the manager was obvious, but there was something deeper than just envy. It wasn’t just about wanting to monopolize Beomgyu’s attention anymore.They were beginning to understand Soobin’s perspective—maybe, just maybe, Beomgyu was cursed. Not by some random streak of bad luck, but by something more sinister—perhaps even the devil himself.The way the manager had become obsessed with protecting Beomgyu wasn’t natural—it happened too fast, too easily. It mirrored the way the three of them had instantly accepted their own cravings for Beomgyu without much resistance.Still, they had no intention of sharing Beomgyu with anyone—not the manager, not anyone outside their group. If the man tried to come between them, or worse, tried to take Beomgyu away, the trio wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to keep Beomgyu to themselves. They had always been good at suppressing their darker urges, but if the man got in their way... they wouldn’t hold back. Mercy wasn’t part of the plan if things didn’t go how they wanted...."Ugh... my head hurts," Soobin groaned from the bed, rubbing his temples in a vain attempt to ease the pounding in his skull.There were five people in his room—his four friends and the ever-watchful manager. Each of them stood or sat in various positions around his bed, creating a tense atmosphere despite the supposed casualness of their visit.Beomgyu, sitting nearby in a chair, let out a soft sigh. "You already took the medicine, right?""Yeah," Soobin muttered, "But I had to chase it with some sugar afterward. I can still taste that bitterness lingering on my tongue."Beomgyu chuckled bitterly, understanding all too well. "I get that. I'm probably worse than you. I can't take medicine without something sweet to wash it down."That remark earned a meaningful smile from Yeonjun and Taehyun, who subtly shifted their heads to lock eyes with each other, a silent understanding passing between them. The manager noticed this gesture, and his anxiety spiked.
Why are they smiling?
Now that there was a silent conflict between him and the trio, any smiles from them felt like a warning sign, flashing red in his mind. The most worrisome part was that he could sense something was amiss, yet he couldn't quite put his finger on their intentions or what they might do next.Just as he began to steel himself, his phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the uneasy silence. He pulled it out and saw it was one of the higher-ups. Answering the call, the woman's voice came through, urgent and clipped. She needed him to come meet her immediately; there was a matter that required his direct attention.He sighed inwardly, frustration flaring. Of course, it had to be right now. Of course, I had to deal with business at the worst possible moment!After quickly signaling to Beomgyu to call him or step out of the room if things went sideways, he shot a glare at the trio, their faces a mask of innocence that only fueled his concern, before hurriedly exiting the room.With the manager gone, Beomgyu felt an unsettling sense of suffocation in the air. It was as if the walls were closing in on him. He forced himself to focus on Soobin instead. "Are you okay now?""I'm still quite tired, but the fever has gone down a little," Soobin replied."How do you feel right now?" Beomgyu continued, only to be met with silence. He realized he had basically asked the same question twice, struggling to come up with a new topic.His attention drifted back to the trio sitting on the opposite side of the bed. Their eyes were locked onto him, their expressions inscrutable, as if they were silently plotting something just out of his reach.He felt his breath quickening with each inhale and exhale, panic slowly creeping in. The presence of the trio in the room made it impossible for him to say anything to Soobin, especially with two of them having shared intimate moments with him recently. Beomgyu wanted nothing more than to escape, to run outside for fresh air. Breathing the same air as the trio only worsened his anxiety.His body moved instinctively, standing up from his chair, ready to follow through with his urge to leave. But Soobin's voice stopped him."I want to talk to Beomgyu alone. Can you three give us some space?" he requested.The trio didn’t hesitate. "Sure, take your time," Kai said gently, and the three of them exited the room without question, leaving Beomgyu alone with Soobin.He coughed a few times, and the younger boy handed him a glass of water, which the leader gratefully accepted. The silence that followed felt heavy as Beomgyu realized he finally had the chance to talk.He opened his mouth to speak, but both he and Soobin started talking at the same time. They paused, chuckling awkwardly."You go first," Soobin said with a small smile."Thanks." Beomgyu took a deep breath, his expression growing serious. "Soobin, you DO know that Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Kai are up to some bad stuff, right?"Soobin's face shifted from relaxed to more neutral, but he gave a slight nod."I don’t think you should go along with what they’re saying," the younger boy continued. "This whole thing is messed up. If they’re forcing you to be part of it, you can talk to me."The leader’s eyes narrowed slightly as he lowered his head. "Honestly... I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore.""Don’t worry," Beomgyu encouraged. "It’s not too late to change your mind."Soobin gave a small, contemplative nod, "Maybe," then his gaze shifted back to Beomgyu, and his next words came as a surprise. "But what about you?"Beomgyu blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?""If you knew what they were doing was wrong, why didn’t you resist when they made a move on you?" Soobin asked bluntly.Beomgyu’s throat tightened, the question hitting him like a punch. He could feel the unspoken accusation—that he hadn’t fought back because, deep down, part of him had enjoyed it.Stung, he snapped, "That’s not true! I didn’t know what was going on back then!" His voice was louder than he intended, the frustration and wounded pride evident in his tone.The indifferent look on Soobin’s face made it clear he wasn’t buying anything Beomgyu was trying to deny. With a sigh, he said, "Beomgyu, you don’t have to keep lying to yourself. Like I’ve told you before, admitting your vulnerability isn’t a bad thing."Beomgyu’s face twisted in frustration. "I’M NOT LYING!" he shot back. "I never thought they would do something like that! I was tricked!""Oh?" Soobin’s tone shifted slightly, more probing now but still calm. He leaned forward, close enough for his next words to come out as a clear whisper. "Then... what about those moans and whimpers that night?"Beomgyu froze, his face instantly flushing deep red. He took a step back, staring at his hyung in disbelief. The reason for his reaction was undeniable—his body had reacted, betraying him despite the confusion and fear. All the stimulation had forced the moans and whimpers to escape his lips involuntarily, a reflex he hadn’t been able to control.Soobin watched Beomgyu’s stunned reaction with an odd sense of amusement flickering in his eyes. For some reason, seeing the younger boy so flustered only encouraged him to press further. "He also told me... you looked really lewd at that time."Blindsided by the teasing, Beomgyu blurted out without thinking, "W-Which one? Yeonjun or Taehyun?"That slip was all Soobin needed. His eyes narrowed, and a small, knowing smile played at the corners of his lips. Beomgyu hadn’t denied the moans, nor the accusation of enjoying it. "So you did love it after all."Beomgyu had no comeback. Frustration bubbled inside him, but his concern for Soobin remained just as strong. "Soobin, what’s going on with you? Is this what the other three told you to say?""Well, I–" Soobin barely had time to respond before a fit of coughs overtook him. Beomgyu instinctively stepped forward to check on him, only to fall into the older boy's trap. His arms quickly wrapped around Beomgyu's waist, pulling him onto the bed, their bodies now pressed together. Strangely, the coughing stopped as soon as Beomgyu landed on top of the leader.In that instant, Beomgyu noticed Soobin’s body temperature had cooled down significantly. It was still warm but nowhere near as bad as Soobin had made it seem. He’d been tricked yet again."What the—You tricked me! Your fever’s already gone down!" he exclaimed."I didn’t," Soobin replied calmly. "Just because the fever's down doesn’t mean I can’t cough. You’re just misunderstanding."Unable to argue, Beomgyu pushed his palms against the bedsheet to try and get up, but Soobin’s firm grip around his waist prevented him from doing so.Noticing Beomgyu’s desire to escape, Soobin chuckled softly. "What’s wrong? You don’t like the hug?"Beomgyu responded quickly, "It’s not like I hate it, but…" His voice trailed off.It dawned on him that there was no real reason to reject the hug. It wasn’t anything sensual, nor did it involve inappropriate touching. In fact, it was warm and comfortable. If he allowed himself to relax and return Soobin’s embrace, it would probably feel even better. Yet, despite all of that, he recoiled. It was strange—Soobin had simply caught him off guard, and there was nothing inherently wrong with the hug, but the unease swirling inside him overshadowed any comfort.Sensing Beomgyu’s internal conflict, Soobin couldn’t resist pushing further. He found himself enjoying this teasing more than he expected, even though he wasn’t entirely sure why it felt so addictive. "But?" he urged."... Nothing," Beomgyu finally relented.That response brought a satisfied smile to Soobin’s face. "Hey, can I hug you for a bit longer?""Fine..." Beomgyu groaned slightly, but it didn’t sound like he truly minded. He seemed to have resolved to simply stay still and let Soobin finish hugging him, resigned to the moment.It felt as though the leader was taming an angry child—or a childish adult, to be precise.Okay, Soobin admitted it—he did find the idea of teasing Beomgyu increasingly appealing. However, he was determined not to cross any boundaries like the other members did.He reminded himself that he respected Beomgyu's consent and hadn’t done anything to make him feel uncomfortable or want to flee. Soobin loved Beomgyu, but he wouldn't exploit that love to get what he wanted. He definitely… wouldn’t…Yet, the more he thought about it, the harder it became to resist the playful urge bubbling within him. He had agreed to go along with the group's plan. They promised it wouldn't hurt Beomgyu—just make him feel a little... unsettled.
Yeonjun:
Cold viruses spread quicker than you think. Just talking in close range is enough. But if you REALLY want to make sure he gets infected, try holding him close, like through a hug.
Kai:
But what about the manager? He won’t let Beomgyu get too close to someone sick.
Yeonjun:
If the manager is still around by then, we can leave the room first to make him feel 'safe'.
Yeonjun:
He might ask Soobin about that unfinished conversation from yesterday. Soobin can say he wants to talk to Beomgyu alone.
Yeonjun:
The manager will likely listen since Soobin is his most trustworthy member.
Yeonjun:
But this is just one option. If it doesn’t work, we’ve got other plans.
Taehyun:
You're seriously creeping me out with all this planning. How do you even know this will work?
Yeonjun:
It doesn’t need to work exactly as we planned. The result is what matters.
Soobin:
I feel bad for Beomgyu...
Taehyun:
Save the sympathy for later, Soobin. Trust me, when the time comes, you won’t be able to resist the temptation.
And now, lying here with Beomgyu in his arms, Soobin could feel the said temptation creeping up on him. His heart raced so fast he worried Beomgyu might hear it. Being this close to him made Soobin nearly forget to breathe properly, and his face reddened with each passing second. He began to wonder if his fever had really gone down at all.Wait… why was he getting shy now? He was the one who had confidently pulled Beomgyu onto the bed in the first place. Or had he? The moment was starting to blur in his mind, leaving him questioning whether it was really him who made the move.The whole situation was growing more confusing by the second....Outside the door, the remaining three members waited quietly. It would have been easy to eavesdrop on Soobin and Beomgyu's conversation, but they wanted to avoid raising suspicion on the cameras, so they refrained from doing so.Kai noticed Yeonjun suddenly pressing something on his phone, a line of numbers appearing on the screen."Who are you calling?" he asked curiously."Just an acquaintance," Yeonjun replied, bringing the phone to his ear.It rang for a few seconds before a familiar melody from their group’s latest song, 'Deja Vu', replaced the default ringtone. However, the music barely had time to play before the call was answered almost immediately.On the other end, an excited voice broke through, breathless and shaky with excitement. It belonged to a crazed fangirl Yeonjun had encountered at the fansign event, who caught his attention with her obsession with Yeongyu ship. She was on the verge of screaming but barely held herself back. After all, it wasn’t every day a fan received a direct call from an idol—and their bias, no less.Yeonjun gave her a brief greeting before getting straight to the point. He had a task for her, and he expected her to carry it out flawlessly. Of course, she eagerly agreed without a second thought."It's simple. I just need you to buy a few things for me," he began."Of course! What do you want me to get?" she asked, her voice buzzing with excitement. Yeonjun could almost picture her reaching for a pen and notepad, ready to jot down his requests."A pair of white nitrile gloves, a water-based lubricant, a small pack of rectal suppositories, and... oh yeah, some aphrodisiac for later use. Preferably edible, like chocolate." The requests made the girl froze, and Yeonjun heard a small thud on the other end, confirming that she had dropped the pen in shock.But instead of asking if she was alright, he asked, "Is that clear enough?"The girl snapped out of her daze and frantically replied, "Y-Yes! I got it!"He let out a chuckle, which sounded heavenly to her ears. "Great, I'm counting on you."That was enough to make the girl forget how bizarre Yeonjun's requests were, and she quickly agreed to follow through.After saying a quick goodbye, Yeonjun hung up and turned to the other two members, wearing a knowing smile that they understood instantly.Taehyun teased, "The only problem I have with the call is that... you could have explained to her that the lubricant wasn't necessarily for sex."The oldest member shot back with equal playfulness, "Well, her imagination isn't far from the truth anyway."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The warmth radiating between Soobin and Beomgyu was nearly tangible, an atmosphere so inviting that Beomgyu almost yielded to the impulse to return Soobin's embrace. But he held himself back, unwilling to concede that he could be so easily swayed by a simple act of affection. Instead, he kept his hands firmly planted on either side of the bed, ensuring the hug remained resolutely 'one-sided.'Soobin, for his part, sensed Beomgyu's internal struggle to resist reciprocating. Rather than feeling discouraged, he found a strange thrill in it—a desire to coax Beomgyu past his defenses, to make the boy relent and embrace him. There was something undeniably exhilarating about the prospect.Various ideas flickered in Soobin’s mind, each more tempting than the last. He could tease Beomgyu, provoke a reaction, perhaps by slipping his hand under Beomgyu's shirt and letting his fingers trace lightly up his spine. Just imagining it made Soobin’s hold tighten around Beomgyu.An intrusive thought surfaced, unbidden and intense. I want to bully him so badly…But that was enough to pull him back to his senses, leaving him unnerved by his own impulse. He was acting out of character, as if something foreign had taken hold of him, guiding him down this shameless path.Perhaps… the trio had already plunged so deeply into the abyss of depravity that they’d become desensitized, unmoved by even the most dubious of acts.But...Could it truly be that they were merely puppets, possessed and manipulated by some malevolent force? Or was it more likely that they harbored genuine feelings for Beomgyu, emotions that made them susceptible to this insidious control?If the former were true, then the friends Soobin thought he knew had already been replaced, twisted into strangers—mere puppets of the devil’s manipulation.Yet, the leader found himself more inclined to believe the latter: that they indeed bore real feelings for Beomgyu, and the devil merely amplified those feelings, perverting them into something dark and obsessive.This second theory seemed more plausible to him, especially since he still felt like himself. Or, at least… that was what he thought.
It's not a bad thing at all…
Suddenly, a foreign thought crept into Soobin’s mind, as if someone else had placed it there. This time, it felt less like his own inner voice and more like a whisper, a coaxing presence speaking directly to him.Don’t be shy. Just do whatever you want with him. The voice reverberated ominously, a shade too persuasive.Do whatever he wanted? That sounded… wrong, somehow suggestive. What did he even want from his bandmate? Hugging him was nice, sure, but he didn’t crave anything more than that.Then why did you even join that group chat? The voice surfaced again, laced with mocking incredulity.Why…?Good question. Why had he joined that group chat in the first place, and why had he gone along with his friends' reckless schemes? What was he hoping to gain?As much as he tried to deny it, Soobin couldn’t ignore the magnetic pull Beomgyu had on him. The younger boy’s charm was intoxicating, enough to blur the line between his own true feelings and the sinister influence lurking within.Yet, deep down, Soobin knew he wasn’t as concerned about the source of these feelings as he claimed. He simply wanted to be near Beomgyu, to stay by his side… where, somehow, everything felt right.Don’t pretend to be kind, you know you’re just as rotten inside. The voice returned, dripping with sarcasm.That's true. Soobin could no longer pretend to be the considerate boy he’d always prided himself on being. After all, everyone harbors a selfish side, hidden beneath layers of restraint and self-image. He was no exception.When it came down to it, any concern he had for Beomgyu's feelings would vanish the moment his desire took hold; all the tears and pleas wouldn’t stop him. In fact, those very cries would only serve to stoke the fires of his inner sadist.Perhaps… he really was no different from the others after all.On the other side of the door, the trio's patience was beginning to wear thin with each passing minute.They knew Soobin wouldn’t be able to make any serious move without Beomgyu struggling in protest, or worse, crying out for help. And if the manager returned prematurely, it would spell disaster.Yeonjun, sensing their growing unease, reassured them. "Relax. He won’t be back anytime soon. We’ve got at least another 10 minutes."Kai shot him a skeptical look, his brow furrowed. "You know, it’s almost uncanny how you’re so sure about these things, like you’ve got some kind of sixth sense."Yeonjun merely chuckled, shrugging off the remark. "It’s just a guess. Though it'll be quite impressive if I'm right.""So…" Taehyun broke in, steering them back to business. "How are we gonna meet that girl? We can’t just take things from fans in public without staff watching us like hawks."Yeonjun pressed two fingers to his chin, contemplating the dilemma. "Hmm… she might bring everything early tomorrow and wait near the hotel, so we should keep an eye out for her arrival. There’s also a chance she’ll call me before coming."Kai’s confusion deepened, his curiosity tinged with frustration. "Seriously! How can you predict stuff like this?!"But his hyung ignored him, waving the question away as if it were inconsequential. "Anyway, let’s go hurry Soobin up. We don’t want him spending more time with Beomgyu than the plan requires."...The quiet hotel hallway was suddenly filled with the sound of hurried footsteps as a man rushed down it, almost running. He had just received a call to meet with one of the higher-ups immediately, a clear sign that whatever was going on required his urgent attention.As he sped through the corridor, his hands were constantly at work. He smoothed down his hair, made sure his outfit was in order, and adjusted his shirt collar, all without breaking his stride. By the time he reached the large door at the end of the hall, he had barely finished fixing himself up. The door, made of heavier wood than the typical hotel doors, hinted at the importance of the room beyond.Under normal circumstances, he would have knocked to show proper respect. But this time, without a second thought, he twisted the door handle and walked straight in, skipping any formalities. Anyone watching would have understood—he was in too much of a hurry to bother with the usual courtesies.The moment he stepped inside, it struck him that the room was nothing more than an old, cluttered storage space. Rows of iron shelves lined the walls, stacked with various products and supplies. It was far from the clean meeting room he had envisioned, making his earlier fuss over his appearance feel utterly pointless.In the center of the room stood a woman, waiting for him with a deep frown etched across her face—something he always saw. She gestured for him to come closer. The gravity of her expression told him that the situation was far worse than just a problem.Still, he maintained his façade of indifference, acting as though he had no time to waste. "I apologize," he began, "I'm rather busy at the moment, so I'd appreciate it if we could keep this brief."Her response was subtle. She barely reacted to his words, simply running a hand through her long, dark bangs—a telltale habit of hers whenever she was anxious or troubled. "It is brief," she muttered softly, "But the consequences are... troubling."The manager bit back the urge to tell her to stop with the dramatics and just get to the point. However, before he could voice his impatience, she uttered a single name: "Beomgyu."His eyes twitched involuntarily at the mention of the boy's name, who seemed to attract nothing but trouble lately. He had tried to keep his expression neutral, but that subtle twitch did not escape the woman's sharp gaze. It was enough to confirm just how deeply the manager was entangled in whatever mess surrounded Beomgyu."I’ve heard that you’ve been rather… clingy to the boy," she began slowly. "To the point where it seems like you’re not too fond of the other members. Is that true?"A flicker of realization crossed his mind. So that's how it is...The staff had misread his behavior. They thought his odd mannerisms stemmed from an attraction to Beomgyu, leading to jealousy and coldness toward the rest of the group. It wasn’t the worst conclusion they could have reached. At least this theory was far less dangerous than the truth he had been careful to keep hidden.His posture relaxed, adopting a more composed demeanor. "I don’t think so, I’ve never shown favoritism toward one member while neglecting the others, no matter the supposed benefits." He paused, placing a hand on his chin as if in thought, before adding with feigned contemplation, "Unless, of course... the issue lies elsewhere."His words were subtle, but pointed. He was suggesting that the problem didn’t lie with him at all, and his seeming displeasure was just his natural response to outside forces.In other words, he was deflecting the blame onto the four members without saying it outright.She wasn't pleased with his reply. "Then tell me," she pressed, "What are their problems that make you act this unfairly?"The word hit him like a slap. 'Unfair'. It wasn’t a term that existed in his personal vocabulary—he despised people who embodied it. To be labeled as such felt like a direct insult, and his brows instinctively furrowed in response.He had been with the company for a long time, long enough to know that a bit of gossip couldn’t easily tarnish his carefully built reputation. But hearing this accusation made it painfully clear how little the higher-ups truly paid attention to who he was as a person. It was almost laughable. He didn’t expect them to understand him, not in detail at least. All he asked was for them to not misjudge him so quickly, to be... fair.The woman’s gaze hardened, tinged with disappointment. "Listen, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you need to stop. The fact that you’re nearly 40 only makes it creepier."The manager clenched his jaw, swallowing down his frustration. Her implication was clear, and the sting of it settled deep. He couldn’t believe the higher-ups had taken his actions so far out of context, accepting such a baseless conclusion without hesitation. It left him with a pang of sadness.Maintaining a blank, almost detached stare, he replied. "I’d love to explain myself, truly. But after all these years, I think you—and the rest of the higher-ups—should be able to come to your own conclusions about my character." He paused a bit. "Besides, time is a precious commodity. I don’t intend to waste it on something so... trivial."He wasn’t in the wrong, so he wouldn't debase himself by apologizing for the misinterpretations of others.As the woman stood there, momentarily stunned by his unexpected response, he turned without hesitation, reaching for the door handle.However, her voice cut through the air before he could leave. "If you walk out that door right now, your position in this industry will be in jeopardy."His hand paused, not out of fear, but out of sheer disappointment. After everything, she still didn’t understand. She still couldn’t see his side of the story."Then..." he murmured, not turning to face her, "...tell the others that they’ll regret this decision."With that, he pulled the door open and closed it behind him before she could respond. Any trust he had left in the industry’s judgment was gone, swept away by the bitter reality of how it truly operated....Upon returning, the manager spotted all the members standing in front of Soobin's room. His attention immediately locked on Yeonjun and Beomgyu. Yeonjun was hugging Beomgyu from behind, his arms wrapped tightly around the younger member’s shoulders in what appeared to be a close, affectionate embrace.But that wasn’t all—Yeonjun's lips were dangerously close to Beomgyu's ear, murmuring something that left Beomgyu frozen in place, his eyes wide with what looked like shock.The manager's instincts kicked in, and his pace quickened. In a flash, he dashed down the hallway, wedging his hands between the two and forcefully separating them. His grip was noticeably firmer on Yeonjun, essentially shoving him away from Beomgyu with more force than necessary.His voice came out low and sharp, dripping with irritation. "Don’t ask why I’m being forceful with you. You deserve more than just a push or a slap to the face."Yeonjun straightened up, unfazed by the push. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Oh, I wasn’t gonna ask that. I just want to clear this up… since when is hugging not allowed between us?"He had a point—at face value, it looked like nothing more than a friendly hug, something perfectly normal between idols. However, the manager knew all too well that with these three troublemakers, nothing was ever as innocent as it seemed.The man didn’t bother to respond or explain himself to the trio. He had no interest in engaging with their twisted minds any longer. Instead, he turned his attention to Beomgyu. "Let’s go."Still lost in whatever had just unfolded, Beomgyu stood there, eyes glazed over, staring at nothing. It wasn’t until the manager gently took his hand to lead him away that Beomgyu snapped out of his daze, stumbling a bit as he followed along.The sight of the manager holding Beomgyu’s hand—so casually, yet protectively—made the trio’s expressions darken. Their narrowed eyes followed the pair down the hall, the light in their gazes fading into something far more dangerous.They kept their simmering anger hidden, not wanting to give the manager any ammunition to use against them, but deep down, the idea of getting rid of him was becoming more appealing by the second.If the manager continued to touch Beomgyu like that, the darker sides of them might just rise to the surface, unleashing the devils they were trying so hard to keep at bay.After a while of walking, Beomgyu and the manager came to a halt in an empty stretch of the hallway. The man wasted no time. "Tell me everything that happened from the moment I left until now, including whatever Yeonjun whispered in your ear."Beomgyu nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before recounting the events. He explained how Soobin had admitted knowing about the trio’s unusual behavior, how the leader had insinuated that Beomgyu actually enjoyed their intimate moments, and how Soobin had suddenly pulled him onto the bed for a hug, though it hadn’t been anything inappropriate.As Beomgyu spoke, the manager’s brow furrowed deeper, his mind working to process each detail. Then, Beomgyu hesitated, his tone dropping as he mentioned Yeonjun’s earlier words. "He asked me... if I had ever thought that everything happening to me was... my fault."A frustrated groan escaped the manager’s lips. "Of course not. Don’t listen to them."It seemed that Yeonjun’s whisper had been simpler than the manager had anticipated, and he had been overly dramatic about it. But then he noticed that Beomgyu's expression remained troubled, his gaze clouded with worry."Yes, I could’ve brushed it off like some weak accusation," Beomgyu murmured. Then, he met the manager’s eyes, his stare piercing. "...but I remembered something you said last night. Something similar."The man froze, his mind racing to understand what Beomgyu was referring to. And when it clicked, a wave of realization hit him. Beomgyu continued, "You said... maybe I’m the problem. It's the same thing Soobin and Yeonjun implied."The manager hadn’t meant it that way, but now, those careless words had given Beomgyu something deeper to fear."Look, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re not the problem, Beomgyu." He insisted, though his words felt weaker in the face of the boy's despair.Beomgyu wasn't convinced. "You said it unconsciously. That’s what you really think, isn't it?"The manager couldn't deny the truth in Beomgyu's words. He had let that thought slip without realizing it, a thought born from a strange moment when Beomgyu had shown him kindness. There was something in the boy's eyes back then that had unsettled him, something that made him question if Beomgyu had some unintentional power to pull people in, to make them obsess over him.But even so, that didn’t mean Beomgyu was to blame. It wasn’t fair to pin everything on him, especially when the other members were clearly manipulating the situation.Beomgyu's gaze remained downcast. His hand gripped his chest tightly, the fabric of his shirt wrinkling beneath his trembling fingers. "Have I misunderstood everything from the start? Am I actually the reason behind all the members' strange behavior?"Seeing the boy's growing despair, the manager grabbed him by the arms and shook him firmly, as if trying to shake away the reckless thoughts consuming him. "Listen to me! You are not the cause of their actions! Whatever they’re doing, it’s on them, not you. Don't let them break you down like this!"Realizing how much he was adding to the manager’s burden, Beomgyu halted his spiraling thoughts. "I'm... sorry..." he muttered, struggling to steady himself, though his calmness was fragile at best.On the man's side, the complexity of the situation weighed heavily on him. With TXT's schedule allowing the members to be alone together, especially when they would return to their dorm by tomorrow, he knew it would be nearly impossible to protect Beomgyu constantly. Any moment he stepped away would be a prime opportunity for the other four to act.To make matters worse, his own job security was hanging by a thread. That woman could easily report his behavior to the higher-ups, and if he got fired, he doubted he’d have any way to keep Beomgyu safe or take him away from the group.A dark thought slipped into his mind uninvited. Ugh, maybe I should just tie him up and bring him with me.It took him a moment to register the absurdity of it, and when he did, he was left stunned by himself. What was he even thinking?"I'm okay now," Beomgyu said, straightening himself. "You're right, I can't let them control me with just a few words. I'll try to be tougher and stand my ground around them."The manager nodded approvingly, glancing at his watch as he recalled their next scheduled activity. He advised Beomgyu to return to his room to rest, and that included not letting any of his bandmates in during that time.Beomgyu took the advice to heart and began walking toward his room. But he had barely taken a few steps when the man’s voice called out again, halting him. "Wait a moment, can you show me a cold or emotionless face?"The request was odd, but Beomgyu didn’t question it. He relaxed his brows into a straight line, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, and his lips curved downward in a subtle frown.It wasn’t difficult for him—this expression was something he had perfected for group photoshoots, though this time he added an extra layer of coldness to his features. His face became distant, like a mask, shutting out any trace of warmth or emotion.The manager observed Beomgyu’s features carefully, then pressed for more. "Now, show me a silent but deadly glare."Without much change in his expression, Beomgyu lowered his eyelids slightly, angling his head down just enough while maintaining eye contact. His gaze transformed into something sharp, exuding an aura of hatred and disgust. It was a side of Beomgyu that the public rarely, if ever, saw.The man felt a small sense of relief. He was convinced that with a little more confidence, Beomgyu could withstand the psychological games his bandmates were playing.But the manager had made a crucial mistake in his assumption. He believed that the members would limit themselves to gaslighting and mind games. What he hadn’t considered was the possibility that they might resort to physical force. This oversight would prove dangerous.Suddenly recalling something, the manager added. "By the way, you should consider getting a health check. You mentioned Soobin hugged you, right?"Beomgyu nodded. "Yeah, but his fever has already gone down, so I think it's fine."The man's brow knitted in concern. "Did you actually check his body temperature? Fevers don’t usually subside that fast."Beomgyu thought back. "Well... when he hugged me, his body didn’t feel hot anymore. I’m pretty sure he’s okay.""Still…" The manager remained skeptical. "Even if Soobin’s fever came down, that doesn’t guarantee you won’t catch something. Don’t take it lightly."Seeing the seriousness in his expression, Beomgyu gave a more resolute nod. "Okay, I’ll be careful."After that, they went their separate ways to their own rooms. Before retreating, the manager decided to verify Soobin’s condition himself. As he reached the leader’s room, he noticed the other three members were already gone—likely returned to rest.He gave the door some firm knocks. "Soobin, it’s me. Can I have a word?" If the leader was still unwell, he wouldn’t be able to come to the door, so the manager announced himself first.To his surprise, footsteps quickly approached, and the door swung open to reveal Soobin, looking healthy and alert—no signs of exhaustion.The boy greeted him with a warm smile. "If it’s not going to take long, I can spare a few minutes."The manager blinked, taken aback by Soobin’s sudden cooperation. "Oh, sure."With a welcoming gesture, Soobin stepped aside, his friendly smile holding an ambiguous quality—politeness mixed with a hint of something else, almost calculating. "Please come in. I’ve only just recovered, so standing by the door for too long might not be a good idea."As unnerving as the calmness in the boy's voice felt, the manager didn't want to make demands of someone who had supposedly just regained his strength. Thus, he accepted the invitation and stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click....Beomgyu sat in his room, a storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. He didn’t want to believe that he couldn’t trust his friends, that everything was starting to feel wrong. He liked them—no, he cared about them deeply. But their behavior had become increasingly unsettling.His mind kept returning to the manager’s words, the lessons he’d learned about—such behavior wasn't typical between friends. Beomgyu wasn't naive; he knew deep down that it was wrong.And yet, why did he still respond to them with such innocence? Why couldn't he see the danger? Had he truly lost his grip on reality?The mental battle raged inside him, but a sharp knock on the door snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. His breath caught in his throat as a wave of fear washed over him. Not them, not now. He couldn’t face any of them again so soon."Beomgyu, it’s almost time for the discussion about our upcoming photoshoot. Get ready, okay?" The familiar voice of a staff member cut through the tension, and Beomgyu’s chest relaxed just slightly. He hadn't realized how much time had passed."Y-Yes, I'll be there in a bit." He managed to reply."Oh, by the way." The female staff member continued, sounding casual, though Beomgyu could detect an undertone of concern. "Have you seen the manager? He was supposed to join us to check the room arrangement for the discussion."Beomgyu raised his brows. "Huh? No, I haven’t seen him. Is he not in his room?"The girl was equally concerned. "I went to his room earlier, but only his phone was there."The unease in Beomgyu's chest grew, a sense of something amiss settling over him. The manager had just spoken with him not long ago—where could he have gone?Before he could think too much about it, the staff member reminded him about the meeting time and left the room swiftly.His phone suddenly buzzed on the bed. He glanced down to see a message from Kai. "Beomgyu, it seems the manager has gone missing. Do you happen to know where he is?"Beomgyu quickly typed back. "No, a staff member was looking for him just now, too."Kai’s next reply was a confused emoji of an animal scratching its head, signaling that he, too, was at a loss.A wave of unease rolled over Beomgyu as he stared at the screen. The thought of the manager—the only person he felt he could rely on—suddenly vanishing made his stomach churn. An unsettling dread crept in, a fear that the man might not come back, leaving him stranded in this situation.But before his thoughts spiraled further, the maknae sent another message, this time with a sense of relief in his words. "Oh, never mind, found him. He was in Soobin’s room all this time."Beomgyu’s worries crumbled away in an instant. That’s it? Phew…For a moment, he had let his mind run wild, thinking of far more dire possibilities, imagining that Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Kai had kidnapped the manager, maybe even killed him to cover something up.It was ridiculous, he knew. His mind had been clouded by paranoia and fear, making him imagine the worst. Thank goodness it wasn’t the case.Beomgyu finished getting ready, though he lingered in the room for a few more minutes, waiting anxiously until a series of firm knocks echoed from the door.A familiar voice carried in. "It’s me. Are you ready?""Yes, coming." Beomgyu answered with a little relief.He unlocked the door and, cautiously, cracked it open just enough to peek outside. The manager’s face came into view, and the man’s expression softened slightly at Beomgyu's wariness."No one’s imitating my voice, if that’s what you’re worried about." He assured. "Let’s go."Beomgyu nodded, finally opening the door fully and stepping out. He stayed close to the manager’s side as they made their way down the quiet hallway towards the discussion room. Glancing at the man’s back, Beomgyu couldn't help but ask. "What were you doing in Soobin’s room?"The manager kept his gaze ahead, answering casually. "Just a quick check-in about his health and his relationship with the other three. His responses were pretty neutral, nothing too revealing, but there was something strange."Beomgyu tilted his head. "Strange how?"The man’s expression grew more serious. "Although he answered all my questions, he kept staring at me, almost too intensely. Every time I called his name or waved a hand in front of his face, he... blinked. Do you know what that suggests?"Beomgyu grasped the implication instantly. "He was distracted?"The manager nodded. "Very much so. But I couldn’t tell what had him so absorbed."..."So..." Kai began, arms crossed as he stared intently at his best friend. "Care to explain what happened?"It wasn’t just Kai waiting for answers. Taehyun and Yeonjun were there too, all three of them fixed their attention on Soobin. The leader sat at the edge of his bed, his posture slumped, and guilt shadowing his features.Before he could speak, Taehyun cut in, his voice sharper than usual. "Just to be clear, this wasn't part of our plan. Why did you invite the manager in for a chat?"Soobin's face twisted, his expression crumpling under the weight of his guilt. He barely managed to get the words out. "I… don’t know. I’m sorry, something just took over me. It was terrifying."Yeonjun's eyebrows rose, a spark of interest flickering in his eyes. "Go on."The leader swallowed hard, struggling to find the words. "Before he showed up, there was this… feeling inside of me, something dark, something I couldn't understand. It kept building, like it was going to burst out of me. Then, when I heard the knocks, heard his voice, it was as if something inside me snapped, and I opened the door without thinking."His voice trembled, each sentence coming out slower than the last as he tried to piece together the fragmented memories. "I remember speaking to him, but it’s all hazy. It’s like... like pieces of a shattered mirror, with some moments crystal clear and others completely blank. The only thing I knew for sure, the one thought I had in my head the whole time was…"Soobin's hands twisted the hem of his shirt tightly, his knuckles going white. He lowered his head before forcing the last words out. "... to kill him."The room fell silent. The trio’s brows furrowed deeply, lips pressing into a tight line.Soobin’s voice became desperate, rising with panic as he rushed to explain. "My hands were itching, itching to just grab his neck and squeeze it until he couldn’t breathe! I started looking around the room, trying to distract myself. But everything… EVERYTHING looked like a weapon! The lamp on the desk, the drinking glass, the pen... I couldn’t look away from him without seeing something I could use to hurt him! And when I met his eyes, all I wanted to do was…"He broke off, his breath hitching. "... gouge those orbs out."The silence that settled over the room was thick with tension, but it didn't last long. Kai, in his usual nonchalant manner, broke it as if his friend hadn't just confessed something very disturbing. "Judging by the manager’s reaction, I take it you managed to suppress your murderous urge, right?"Soobin gave a slow nod.Yeonjun ran a hand across his chin, seemingly more intrigued than shocked. "Strange. The three of us have been tempted to get rid of the manager recently; yet, why are you the one who nearly lost control?"No one had a clear answer, and a heavy silence settled once more, until Soobin whispered, almost to himself. "The devil…"Three sets of eyes snapped to him, but Kai only sighed, waving off the notion. "Yeah yeah, we’ve talked about that before, but there’s no proof.""I think there is." Soobin’s gaze darkened, and his voice dropped to a murmur. "When I hugged Beomgyu, an unfamiliar voice appeared in my head, urging me to abandon my morals and give in to... my desires."Kai’s eyes narrowed with skepticism. "Are you sure it wasn’t just your intrusive thoughts getting the better of you?"Shaking his head firmly, Soobin's eyes bore an unyielding certainty. "No, it wasn’t me. Someone, or something, was speaking directly to me."While Kai kept Soobin distracted, Taehyun sidled up to Yeonjun, leaning close to whisper. "I think we should speed things up. Our leader’s patience seems to be slipping."Yeonjun’s gaze didn’t waver as he nodded. "Yeah, I noticed. He's been bottling up his emotions too much, it’s starting to take a toll on him. He needs some kind of release."Taehyun’s eyes flicked to Soobin, who was still lost in his own world. "True, but we can only move forward if Beomgyu catches a cold tomorrow like we’ve planned, and if that girl comes through with the delivery on time."Yeonjun’s lips curled into a confident smirk. "Don’t worry, it will all come together. We just have to wait."Taehyun turned his gaze to the eldest, a spark of amusement lighting up his eyes as a realization dawned on him. He let out a quiet, almost sinister giggle. "Now I get why Kai was confused earlier. Yeonjun… with all this meticulous plotting, are you sure you’re not possessed by a devil?"Yeonjun’s grin widened, a hint of something dark flickering in his eyes. "Maybe." He replied smoothly, leaving the answer to hang like an unsolved mystery.The conversation drew to a close when soft knocks echoed through the room, followed by a staff member’s voice reminding them it was time to head to the meeting.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
On a crisp evening, the quiet streets of the town were lightly dotted with passersby, their footsteps blending into the gentle hum of the city. Amidst this calm, a young girl unwittingly drew the gaze of several onlookers.She was not exceptionally beautiful, nor did she appear out of the ordinary in any discernible way—just an average girl with nothing particularly striking about her at first glance. Yet, she quickly became the center of whispered attention as she stepped out of a dimly lit storefront, clutching a paper bag to her chest, her face alight with unrestrained excitement.Normally, no one would give a second thought to a girl returning from a shopping errand, smiling with anticipation over her recent purchases. However...For those with keen eyes, the shop’s sign would have provided all the explanation needed. Even without the ability to read, the suggestive imagery plastered across the sign made the store's nature unmistakably clear.SEX TOYSAs its name bluntly suggested, it was a haven for the adventurous, offering a myriad of items designed to amplify intimate experiences. Shelves were lined with toys of all shapes and sizes, an array of lubricants boasting every conceivable flavor and texture, and aphrodisiacs cleverly disguised as innocent sweets—chocolates, powders, even brightly colored pills.It was a place of indulgence and curiosity, a playground for the bold, and a territory firmly off-limits to those who preferred to adhere to societal conventions.For this reason, the girl's presence on that street drew more than a few disdainful glances.There was something disconcerting about her unabashed entrance and exit from such a notorious place, and the fact that she looked barely out of her teenage years only deepened the disapproval etched on the faces of older passersby.Is she even twenty yet? They wondered in unison.With each step she took down the dimly lit street, her cheerful innocence seemed to clash ever more sharply with the scandalous nature of her errand, casting her in the eyes of the townsfolk as the latest addition to their mental list of society's 'freaks'.Many people couldn't help but shake their heads, wondering what had become of the younger generation’s sense of propriety.The girl trudged back home, her footsteps growing heavier as she approached the familiar front door. The moment she stepped inside, the air turned oppressive—her parents stood in the entryway, arms crossed and faces etched with disapproval. The stern expressions they wore could have soured even the brightest mood, and she felt the weight of their scrutiny immediately.Her mother, with a tone that brooked no argument, was the first to speak. "Do you have any idea what time it is? Why did you go out without telling us? And what have you brought back this time?"The emphasis on 'this time' was a clear indication that this wasn’t the first instance of her clandestine outings. In fact, the frustration in her mother's voice suggested a history of similar incidents—incidents that had clearly tested her parents' patience.Instinctively, the girl shifted the paper bag behind her back—not so much to hide it from sight, but to place it just out of their reach."It’s nothing important," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. "Just... some personal things."Her father’s deep, gruff voice cut in, making her nerves jump. "Let me guess, more junk about those K-pop idols you’re obsessed with?"A nervous sweat prickled at her brow. Technically, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Most of her previous trips had indeed been for fan merchandise—posters, figurines, stickers, the kind of harmless memorabilia her parents had begrudgingly accepted over time.But tonight was different. This bag held something she knew she couldn’t explain away, items that would be sure to fuel their ire. There was no way she could let her parents peek inside."Y-Yes," she stammered, "I’m sorry for being out so late."Her mother was the first to speak, yet also the first to let her frustration soften into something more weary. She exhaled a deep sigh, her gaze turning almost sympathetic. "I know you’re old enough to make your own choices, but this is too much. You’ve become so wrapped up in these hobbies that you hardly eat or get any decent sleep."As if to press the point further, her father chimed in, his expression one of distaste. "And let's not forget that human-sized pillow of that idol you bought. How disgusting."She flinched, panic flashing across her face. "You went into my room?! I told you to stop doing that!"Her father’s eyes narrowed, his tone hardening. "What else am I supposed to do?! You lock yourself in there all day! And this is OUR house, don’t act like you deserve full privacy!""Dad!" she shouted, her voice cracking. She squared her shoulders, defiance blazing in her eyes as she looked from her father to her mother. "This is my life! I never asked for your concern or your interference, so that doesn’t give you the right to invade my privacy!"Her boldness sparked a vein of anger in her father. His face darkened, and he took a step forward, hand twitching as if he might try to physically discipline her defiance. But his wife quickly intervened, placing a calming hand on his arm and urging him to rein in his anger.Seeing that they’d hit an impasse, her mother sighed again, her voice resigned. "... Just go to your room. And make sure you get some proper sleep tonight, alright?""Yes…" she muttered, retreating with a subdued nod as she made her way to her bedroom, the weight of her paper bag still clutched tightly in her hands.The heaviness of her earlier sadness began to lift the moment she set the bag down, excitement flickering in her eyes as she carefully pulled out each item, one by one. She had managed to get everything her idol requested, and the thought of this small achievement filled her with pride.With a sigh of relief, she flopped onto her bed, wrapping her arms around the life-sized pillow emblazoned with an image of her ultimate bias—Yeonjun."I’ll definitely deliver this to you tomorrow…" she murmured, a smile spreading across her face.But suddenly, a jolt of panic struck her. She shot upright, realization dawning on her: SHE HADN'T ASKED HIM ABOUT THE DELIVERY TIME!!!"S-Should I message him? No, would he even have time to check?" She bit her lip, her mind racing with anxiety. "I don’t want to bother him…"After a lengthy debate, weighing every possible scenario, she finally decided that a quick call was her best option. Her hands grew clammy as she hovered over her phone screen, her finger trembling with hesitation. It took her nearly 5 minutes of internal struggle to press the call button.The soft vibration of the phone filled the silence, each passing second amplifying her nerves. She braced herself, half-expecting that Yeonjun might not answer.
That’s okay. I won’t push if he’s busy…
She switched to speaker mode to ensure she could hear him clearly if he did answer. But just then, the ringing stopped, and a warm, familiar voice resonated from the other end. "Hello?"Startled, she yelped and threw her phone to the corner of her bed. It landed safely on a pillow, sparing her from the humiliation of breaking it right there and then.Yeonjun’s voice floated from the phone, tinged with gentle concern. "Um… are you alright?"She froze, huddling on the far side of her bed with her hand covering her mouth as a torrent of emotions surged within her. This was technically her third time talking to him, yet the challenge of speaking casually seemed impossible!She hadn’t expected it to be so overwhelming, the reality of his presence on the other end making her heart race like never before.After that, their conversation continued slowly, each exchange helping her calm down bit by bit. Eventually, she gathered enough courage to ask about the delivery time, and he responded that she should come by between 4 and 5 in the morning."It has to be that early, because the group is scheduled to come back to the dorm tomorrow morning." He explained. "Once we're back, it’ll be nearly impossible to manage the delivery without attracting attention."She absorbed the information and nodded with a new sense of resolve, mentally promising herself that she’d go to bed early to make sure she was ready."Oh, and one more thing." He added. "It’d be best if you could swap out the outer boxes of the items. It’d be a hassle if any of the staff took a peek inside the bag.""Yes! Definitely!" she assured him.His chuckle on the other end gave her a surge of warmth. "Great. Well then, see you tomorrow.""W-Wait!" she blurted out, stopping him just before he could hang up. "There’s something important I need to tell you. It’s about the, um, chocolate aphrodisiacs."The pause on the line hinted at his curiosity. "What about them?"...Beomgyu jolted awake in the middle of the night, disoriented, unsure of the time. His hand instinctively reached for his phone, he squinted at the screen—it was barely past 4 a.m. Normally, he wouldn’t be awake at this hour, but something felt distinctly off, a discomfort that wouldn’t let him drift back to sleep.It wasn’t the familiar dread of nightmares that kept him awake this time. No, this was different.His breathing felt shallow, as if the air wasn’t reaching deep enough into his lungs. His throat was dry and burning, yet the sheets, which should have been comforting, felt unnervingly cold against his skin. He instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around himself, seeking warmth that wouldn’t come. Something wasn’t right.Confused, he pressed a shaky hand to his forehead, a wave of heat immediately burning against his palm."Huh?..." Beomgyu whispered to himself, disbelief creeping into his voice. He had caught a fever, just like the manager had warned him about. "H-How is this even possible?"It didn’t make sense. He thought he had already avoided the illness after Soobin had recovered, so how?Grabbing a water bottle to hydrate himself, he carefully tried to slide out of bed, hoping to find a staff member. But the moment he moved, an intense wave of pain shot through his head, as if his brain were being squeezed in a vice.He winced, his body shuddering in pain, before gingerly lowering himself back down onto the pillow, letting the headache subside for a while.Beomgyu regretted not having brought medicine beforehand, but then again, he knew he wouldn’t have taken it anyway. He despised the taste of those bitter pills, so he’d never bothered to take them, even if they were within arm’s reach.With nothing else to do, Beomgyu decided to close his eyes, praying that when he woke up, the fever would have lessened enough for him to move around.The blanket was draped heavily over him, nearly covering his entire body, with only his face peeking out. He curled into a ball, trying to warm himself as best as he could. But the more he huddled, the colder he felt, and with every breath, it became harder to take in air. His chest rose and fell in shallow, quick gasps.Time seemed to stretch endlessly, and Beomgyu couldn’t tell how long he had been lying there, caught in that limbo between wakefulness and sleep. His body shivered; the blanket felt cold, but his forehead was burning with fever. The discomfort was almost unbearable.Just when he thought he couldn’t endure it any longer, a presence appeared near him. A cool hand gently pressed against his fevered cheek, and Beomgyu, in his delirious state, leaned into it, seeking the relief of the chill. The touch felt soothing, like a balm against the fire coursing through his body.It was so comforting, as if the very coolness of that hand could melt away his fever and ease the ache in his head.The person sitting on the edge of his bed didn’t withdraw their hand, their eyes fixed on Beomgyu’s half-lidded face. Then, they murmured softly. "… Beomgyu…"At the sound of his name, Beomgyu flinched, the familiar voice pulling him out of his fog. Despite his sickness, his mind immediately recognized the speaker. It was Soobin.His eyelids were heavy, but he forced himself to open them, blinking several times to clear the haze in his vision. The world around him was a blur, the fever only adding to the difficulty of focusing. It took a few moments for his eyes to refocus, and when they finally did, Soobin’s concerned face appeared before him, framed by the dim light in the room.Beomgyu's eyes widened in confusion at his hyung’s sudden presence, instinctively flicking his gaze toward the door as if seeking an explanation.Without waiting for him to voice the question that lingered in his eyes, Soobin offered an answer, as though reading his thoughts. "I used a key. The hotel keeps spare keys for every room in case of emergencies. I knocked earlier, but you didn’t respond."Beomgyu’s lips parted to speak, but Soobin, perhaps already anticipating his next words, continued. "I was worried you might have caught my cold. Looks like I was right."This time, the leader finally fell silent, giving Beomgyu space to respond. The younger boy found himself unconsciously leaning into his hyung’s touch. Soobin’s hand, once resting gently on his feverish cheek, slid downward, his thumb brushing lightly across Beomgyu’s jawline while his palm settled against his neck, feeling the warmth radiating from his skin.If it had been any of the other three members, Beomgyu knew he would have recoiled—his instinctive fear would have driven him to retreat. But with Soobin, it was different. There was an innate trust that calmed him, a comfort that made it easier to drop his guard.Taking a steadying breath, Beomgyu finally found his voice, though it was faint. "Yeah… it seems I’ve come down with a fever. Sorry for causing you trouble.""Good." Soobin said simply, a single word that seemed out of place.Beomgyu blinked up at him in bewilderment. What did he mean by 'good'? Was it good that he had caught the cold, or good that he had apologized? The first interpretation made no sense, and yet, something in Soobin’s expression suggested it wasn’t about the apology.Beomgyu turned his head, his eyes scanning the dim room as if searching for something—likely his phone. Without missing a beat, Soobin, intuitively understanding what the boy was looking for, spoke up. "If you're wondering about the time, it's 4:43 a.m."Half an hour. Beomgyu had been lying there, drifting in and out of consciousness, for over thirty minutes. He cautiously attempted to sit up, testing whether the pounding headache had lessened. However, the moment he pushed himself up, a wave of dizziness crashed over him, forcing him to squeeze his eyes shut.Soobin quickly guided him back onto the pillow. "You shouldn't move right now."Beomgyu sank back, letting out a small breath of frustration. "Thanks, but… you should probably keep your distance," he mumbled, nudging his hyung back with an exhausted hand. "I don’t want to start a never-ending sick cycle."The leader only chuckled softly. "I doubt I can catch the same virus twice. Anyway, enough talking. You should take some medicine now."The mere mention of medicine made Beomgyu stiffen. He shook his head almost on instinct, a reflexive refusal that he couldn’t suppress.To his surprise, Soobin didn’t insist or argue. Instead, he nodded with quiet understanding in his gaze. "It’s okay, I know you’re not a fan of pills."His words eased Beomgyu’s worry, but that small moment of comfort quickly faded, and a new thought crept in. If not pills… then what? Images of syringes flitted through Beomgyu’s mind, and he felt his stomach knot."I’ll be back in a bit." Soobin said, standing up with a quick, determined motion.Before Beomgyu could react, his hyung slipped out of the room, leaving him alone with the unsettling curiosity of what alternative remedy Soobin might have in mind.From Beomgyu's perspective, the moment had been innocent, tender, even mundane—just the concerned presence of his leader watching over him. Yet, a shift in viewpoint would reveal a truth that would unsettle those who had the ability to read minds.The moment Soobin stepped out of Beomgyu’s room, the serene mask of compassion he’d worn slipped away. He leaned heavily against the hallway wall, his breath ragged, struggling to steady himself. His usually composed expression crumbled, revealing a chaotic turmoil that churned beneath his cool exterior.He had once vowed to himself that he’d never do anything to make Beomgyu uncomfortable. He was the leader—the one who should remain dependable, gentle, the steady pillar of support. But the moment he’d crossed the threshold into that room, his resolve began to fracture.Beomgyu’s fever-flushed face, soft and vulnerable in the dim light, was a sight that tested his self-control to its very limit. His heartbeat had quickened, and every shallow breath he took felt like it was fighting to keep his sanity intact.Images and fantasies rushed through his mind like a torrent, each one more unspeakable than the last, shameful desires he didn’t dare utter aloud. They were visions of Beomgyu—fragile, trembling, pleading—his voice caught somewhere between helplessness and desperation.It was as if some primal, unhinged part of Soobin had awakened, whispering that it would be okay to take control, to push Beomgyu beyond the line of comfort and make him cry out, to claim that soft, porcelain skin with both gentle and bruising touches.The sensations were painfully akin to the urge to torment a delicate creature, to tease it until it retreated in confusion and fear.But no. Despite the hunger gnawing at his restraint, all he had done was rest his palm against Beomgyu's feverish cheek, cupping it with a tenderness he didn’t feel. It took every ounce of self-discipline he had to pull back, to keep those thoughts locked away in the darkest corners of his mind.He’d managed to tear himself away from the room, but only because he remembered Yeonjun’s plan.Everything had been meticulously planned from the start, so it wasn’t long before the door creaked open again and he slipped back into the room holding a paper bag, his lips curving into a reassuring, gentle smile.Beomgyu sat up at his return, he had no idea that the comforting presence of his leader would soon give way to something far less innocent.Just half an hour before, Yeonjun had received a discreet delivery from the girl he had arranged to meet.The early hour worked in his favor—most of the staff were still asleep, allowing him to retrieve the package without drawing unwanted attention. He had made a quick excuse, citing a need for fresh air, and slipped back into the hotel with the goods.By the time he returned, the other three members had gathered in his room, all of them alert and ready to proceed with their carefully crafted plan.Their roles were clear. The trio—Taehyun, Kai, and Yeonjun—would act as sentinels, guarding against any interruptions, especially from the manager. They estimated that the man wouldn’t wake for at least another hour, but caution was their priority; any unexpected visit to Beomgyu’s room would be a dilemma.Meanwhile, Soobin had his own part to play—the role of the dependable, caring leader, who would do nothing to harm a bandmate.Before Soobin left to check on Beomgyu, Yeonjun had pulled him aside, holding out a piece of dark chocolate. "Take this," he said with a knowing smirk. "It’s an edible aphrodisiac. If things get complicated, you can always blame the chocolate if you get too aroused while taking care of him. It might ease your conscience later."The trio had expected Soobin to refuse, perhaps even lash out at the suggestion. Surprisingly, after only a brief hesitation, Soobin had taken the chocolate, popping it into his mouth. The square piece was large enough to guarantee its effects would kick in soon—undeniable and potent.He then left the room, the trio offered him a wordless, unified gesture of encouragement. Among them, Yeonjun’s smile lingered the longest, curling into something far more enigmatic as the door clicked shut behind the leader....So this is the power of that chocolate. Soobin thought.He had expected the aphrodisiac’s effects to manifest gradually, perhaps after spending some time tending to Beomgyu, but the moment he re-entered the room and met those feverish, vulnerable eyes again, the surge of heat hit him like a tidal wave.It was overwhelming—every ounce of his self-restraint felt precariously close to crumbling, maybe he should have taken only half of that piece. Then again, judging by how strongly it affected him, the dosage hardly seemed relevant. A boner was inevitable either way.Beomgyu sat there, his fragile state only amplifying the raw temptation clawing at Soobin’s resolve. The younger boy's lips were dry, his cheeks flushed with fever, and his soft, unfocused gaze seemed to plead for care and attention. Soobin couldn’t decide if it was his own mind twisting the image or if Beomgyu really looked this enticing in his weakness.Trying to suppress his instincts, Soobin set the paper bag on the small desk beside the bed, meticulously unpacking its contents. A pair of pristine white nitrile gloves, a tube of water-based lubricant, and a small pack of rectal suppositories emerged one by one.The chocolate aphrodisiac box was noticeably absent—Yeonjun had kept it because it wasn't needed at the moment.Beomgyu’s eyes immediately fell on the suppositories, the realization dawning in his fever-addled mind. His lips parted slightly as he swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing with the motion. It was subtle, but Soobin didn’t miss it.The older boy raised a brow. "I thought you’d shake your head again, like when I suggested the pills earlier."Beomgyu blinked quickly, shaking off his hesitation. "Oh, no… I don’t really hate this method," he admitted, "I just… haven’t taken a suppository since I was little, so I’m not really familiar with it anymore. But, um… it’s definitely better than pills."Soobin’s smile deepened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. Beomgyu’s acquiescence had made things far easier than he’d anticipated. No resistance meant no need for excuses.Soobin leaned forward slightly, his tall frame casting a long shadow over Beomgyu as he slipped his hands into the gloves with an almost clinical precision. The faint snap of the nitrile echoed in the quiet room, an oddly sharp sound that heightened the already tense atmosphere.If he’d been wearing a face mask, one might have mistaken him for a surgeon preparing for a delicate operation—except this wasn’t a hospital, and Beomgyu was no patient.With deliberate slowness, Soobin picked up the packet of suppositories from the desk, extracting one and holding it up for Beomgyu to see.The other boy furrowed his brows in light confusion. "Why are you putting on gloves?"Soobin stifled a laugh, finding the younger boy’s naivety endearing. "To help you, of course." He replied. "What else would I be doing?"Hearing that, Beomgyu’s expression shifted to mild panic, and he reached for the suppository, smiling awkwardly. "I-I think I can handle it myself. You really don’t have to—"Before he could grab it, Soobin pulled his hand back, keeping the small item just out of Beomgyu’s reach. "No need," he shook his head. "All you have to do is lie down and let me take care of everything."Beomgyu froze, his wide eyes brimming with disbelief and a touch of horror. His voice rose in pitch, tinged with panic. "W-Wait, you’re DOING it for me?! I thought you were just bringing the stuff here!"Soobin chuckled softly, the playful side of him stirring to life. "As the leader, it’s my responsibility to take care of my members. You’re not in any condition to handle this on your own.""But still! This is weird!" The younger boy protested."Why?" Soobin asked, his tone dripping with feigned curiosity. He was enjoying this far more than he should have been.Beomgyu’s mouth opened and closed as he struggled to articulate his discomfort. His face turned a deeper shade of red, and he stammered, "B-Because… to put that suppository in my body, I’d have to… well… t-take off my pants and my… u-underwear..."His voice trailed off into a barely audible whisper, and his fever-flushed face burned even hotter with mortification. Saying it out loud only made the situation feel ten times worse. It was basic knowledge when it came to suppositories, yet having to spell it out to his hyung felt like the ultimate humiliation!Sensing Beomgyu's growing discomfort, Soobin softened his tone, slipping into a gentler demeanor that radiated reassurance. "Oh, sorry. What I’m trying to say is, it’s okay. We’re both guys, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s just a simple procedure."The younger boy swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he ventured hesitantly, "U-Um… can I switch back to taking pills instead?"That reaction was no surprise. The leader had expected his bandmate to try and wriggle his way out. "No, this will be much quicker," he explained. "Do you really think you’ll only need to take one pill? Medicine takes time to work. You’d have to keep taking them again and again for days. But with a suppository, it’s a one-time thing. Far more convenient, wouldn’t you agree?"Beomgyu bit his lip, his gaze lowering as he fell silent. He mulled over his hyung’s words, realizing with a sinking feeling that they made sense. If it was just one pill, he would have endured the bitterness without complaint, but the prospect of repeated doses over several days tipped the scales in favor of the alternative. Begrudgingly, he had to admit the suppository was the lesser evil.He sighed, his head dipping lower as his grip tightened on the bedsheet beneath him. "...Fine." His voice was strained, almost inaudible.However, just as quickly, he added. "B-But can you close your eyes the whole time?"Soobin’s response came without hesitation. "How am I supposed to insert it if I can’t see what I’m doing?"Beomgyu froze, his shoulders stiffening as his attempt to salvage his dignity crumbled. He opened his mouth to argue but quickly realized there was no logical retort. The leader had a point—trying to perform the task blind could lead to more discomfort, or worse, injury.And yet, the thought of Soobin standing there, eyes focused intently on his body as he undressed, sent a wave of horror coursing through him. His face burned at the idea of exposing even a fraction of himself, let alone his bare lower half. The notion that his hyung might see his most vulnerable parts was utterly devastating!"You might want to hurry up, we don’t have all day," Soobin reminded casually.His voice, though calm, carried an undertone of authority that jolt Beomgyu from his indecisiveness. They still had to head back to the dorm in the morning, and time wasn’t on their side.Beomgyu’s teeth sank into his bottom lip as frustration coursed through him. It wasn’t as if he wanted this situation to drag out any longer than necessary. With a resigned sigh, he lied back on the pillow, his cheeks ablaze with embarrassment.Soobin moved with practiced efficiency, pulling the blanket away from the boy’s curled-up frame. "If you’re worried about me seeing anything, I suggest lying on your stomach." He advised.The suggestion, while logical, only heightened Beomgyu’s distress.Lying prone meant his face wouldn’t betray his mortification, and his front would be shielded from view. It was the better option... or so he thought."Also, you’ll need to keep your hips raised." Soobin added matter-of-factly. "It’ll make things easier for me to insert the suppository accurately."The other boy’s entire body went rigid as the words echoed in his head, each syllable compounding his disbelief. His mind raced with a cacophony of protests, but his pride was already battered and bruised. With trembling resolve, he complied, raising his hips as instructed, his face burning with shame.Unable to bear the weight of Soobin’s gaze, he buried his face into his arms, pressing them against the sheets in a desperate bid to hide his humiliation. Yet, the vulnerability of the position only made the situation feel more degrading.Then came Soobin’s voice, firm and strangely demanding. "Are you gonna pull down your pants and underwear yourself, or do you want me to do it for you?"A tremor ran through Beomgyu, and before he could stop himself, tears started welling up in his eyes. He tried to steady himself, but his trembling hands betrayed him as they moved reluctantly to his waistband. Slowly and agonizingly, he slid his pants down, followed by his underwear—only halfway, ensuring his front remained shielded.Soobin could see everything—the tears threatening to spill, the quiet sniffles Beomgyu tried to stifle, and the unspoken plea for mercy in his posture. The leader knew he was crossing a line, breaking the promise he once made.Yet, despite that knowledge, something darker coiled within him, drowning out his reason. The sight of Beomgyu’s vulnerability, the way he tried to suppress his sobs, only seemed to ignite a sickening hunger in Soobin—a twisted desire to push further, to see how far he could unravel the fragile boy before him.
It's okay, this is merely the aphrodisiac’s effect.
In that moment, any thread of rationality Soobin once clung to… had snapped....In Yeonjun’s room, the trio lingered in a state of muted anticipation, the door left ajar just enough for occasional glances toward the hallway outside Beomgyu’s room. One or two staff members had passed by, sparing no attention to the closed door. So far, nothing eventful had happened.Kai broke the silence with a bored remark. "I bet Soobin’s having the time of his life right now. Lucky bastard."Taehyun, seated cross-legged on the floor, smirked slightly. "Either that, or he’s in the middle of a moral crisis, apologizing profusely while trying to salvage his dignity. Honestly, I’m starting to think that rabbit icon suits his overly decent personality."From the bed, Yeonjun’s voice chimed in lazily, his tone carrying an air of knowing amusement. "No worries. He’ll finish the job just fine."Both Taehyun and Kai turned to him, their expressions demanding clarification without a word. Yeonjun continued. "You’re forgetting something. Soobin’s not just a rabbit. He’s a mix of wolf and rabbit. And rabbits are infamous for their… insatiable sexual desires."Taehyun let out a sigh, brushing off Yeonjun's statement with a shake of his head. "It's just a figurative comparison. His animal icon has nothing to do with his personality."Without even glancing their way, Yeonjun shot back with a teasing lilt. "And I was just making an observation."Kai’s brow furrowed as he interjected, catching onto the leader’s implication. "I get what you mean. The only reason Soobin’s been so nice and restrained up till now is because he’s constantly holding back that devilish side of his. If he ever lets his guard down, well... Beomgyu's done for."Taehyun nodded in agreement, a thoughtful hum escaping him. The room fell quiet again—until a faint munching sound broke the stillness. Both Taehyun and Kai turned toward Yeonjun, their expressions quickly shifting from curious to alarmed!There he was, casually lying on his bed with the aphrodisiac chocolate box nearby, popping piece after piece into his mouth like it was an ordinary snack."What the—" Taehyun was flabbergasted.Kai’s jaw dropped, his voice rising in disbelief. "Hyung! What the hell are you doing?!"The eldest boy looked at their stunned faces and raised a brow. "What? It’s actually pretty good.""Are you out of your mind?!" Taehyun hissed, trying to keep his voice down.Yeonjun casually popped another piece of chocolate into his mouth, savoring it before glancing at the duo again. Their wide-eyed surprise was almost amusing, but he wasn’t in the mood to let them stay confused for too long.Leaning back against the headboard, he began recounting his latest conversation with the fangirl...."So... you're telling me that even though this is technically an aphrodisiac, it’s basically just regular chocolate with a hint of herbal additives?" Yeonjun asked with incredulous tone.The fangirl fidgeted. "Y-Yes, the shopkeeper said it’s the safest option—completely natural, no harmful chemicals. It’s designed for people who want a mild effect. At most, it increases blood flow and… m-maybe sensitivity."Her voice grew quieter as she added, "I-I'm sorry, oppa. I’ll go out now and look for something stronger."Before she could turn away, Yeonjun’s voice stopped her. "Actually, no need. I’ll take this one."The girl blinked, visibly startled by his decision. Though confused, she still proceeded with the delivery....As he finished the story, Yeonjun’s gaze flicked to Taehyun and Kai, their stunned faces betraying their internal turmoil. He smirked, knowing exactly what was running through their minds. "You’re probably wondering why I lied to Soobin, right?"Neither of them replied, but their silence was confirmation enough."If I didn’t exaggerate its effects, Soobin would’ve kept suppressing his dark side." The eldest explained. "He’d stay locked in that ridiculous state of self-denial, pretending to be the perfect, caring leader. I just helped him loosen up a bit."Realization dawned on Kai. "Wait, you mean… right now, Soobin is showing his true self to Beomgyu?"Yeonjun shrugged nonchalantly. "Probably. We’ll know for sure in about half an hour or so."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Beomgyu’s body quivered involuntarily, the coolness of the room amplified by the fever simmering beneath his skin. The sheer awkwardness of his position—his hips raised and his face buried in the mattress—sent waves of embarrassment crashing over him. He clenched his teeth, wishing for the ordeal to end quickly.The sharp sound of a lid being opened reached his ears, followed by the squelching sound of thick liquid being squeezed from its tube. Unable to see much from his position, Beomgyu caught a glimpse of Soobin’s hand placing the lubricant back onto the nightstand.Based on the sequence of actions, Beomgyu surmised Soobin was preparing to coat the suppository with the lubricant, ensuring a smooth, painless insertion. This whole ordeal would come to an end with one swift motion.But he was wrong.Instead of the sharp press of a small, solid object against his most sensitive area, Beomgyu froze as a broader, softer sensation brushed against him. A shiver raced down his spine when something warm and slick circled around his anus, spreading the cold liquid over his skin. It took a few bewildering seconds before he realized—it was Soobin’s finger!Beomgyu twisted his neck to look back, his breath hitching as his gaze landed on the sight behind him. Soobin’s left hand was firmly planted near Beomgyu’s hip, steadying him, while his other hand—gloved and lubricated—worked meticulously against his vulnerable spot. The suppository itself lay untouched on the bedsheet, a silent testament to the deviation from Beomgyu’s expectations.Panic surged through him like a tidal wave, heat spreading through his chest as he stammered, "W-What are you doing?!""Loosening the entrance." Soobin didn’t even glance up, his tone calm and detached as if explaining a mundane fact. "If I just push it in, you’ll cry from the pain.""Can’t you just coat it with lube?" Beomgyu shot back, his voice rising in pitch.This time, Soobin didn’t respond immediately, his movements stilled momentarily. He lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Beomgyu, whose breath hitched at the sheer weight of that piercing, judgment-laden stare."It’s called a procedure for a reason." Soobin said at last. His finger resumed its deliberate motion, spreading the lube with practiced care. "Are you sure your anus is big enough for the suppository's size?"The bluntness of the remark left Beomgyu utterly speechless, his words caught in his throat. He wasn’t sure if it was his own dirty thoughts or if Soobin’s phrasing had been intentionally suggestive, but the implication felt disturbingly layered.Beomgyu had always known Soobin as the steady, composed leader of their group, someone who rarely, if ever, allowed anything remotely suggestive to slip from his lips. So why did he, of all people, say that so openly? Was Beomgyu imagining this side of his hyung?Before he could delve deeper into his questions, a sharp gasp he couldn’t hold back cut through his thoughts. He felt a pressure, unfamiliar and uninvited, slid its way inside him. It turned out that after Soobin circled the rim of his entrance with his slick finger, the leader finally managed to breach the tight ring of muscle.Beomgyu’s entire body stiffened, his hands gripping the bedsheet beneath him as if trying to anchor himself in reality. The feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced—there was discomfort, yes, but it wasn’t the sharp sting of a wound. No, this was something else: a strange, paradoxical kind of pain, one that was almost pleasurable.It was the kind of sensation that might have been familiar to someone accustomed to such experiences, but for Beomgyu, it was an entirely new world—one that left him reacting purely on instinct."Were you thinking about something?" Soobin’s voice cut through the haze, calm but carrying a subtle edge of irritation. There was a quiet authority to his tone that demanded Beomgyu’s attention. "Try to focus on me more."His finger pushed further inside, just a few centimeters deeper, yet the effect on Beomgyu was immediate and intense. His body involuntarily jerked in response, as though trying to escape the intrusion. But Soobin was unbothered, his grip on Beomgyu’s hip sliding smoothly around his thigh, locking his lower body in place while continuing the job.Soon, Beomgyu’s anus felt impossibly tight, already struggling to accommodate the intrusion, even though the older boy had barely pushed the whole digit in.Soobin exhaled softly, gazing down at Beomgyu with a calmness that seemed out of place given the circumstances. "Can you relax a little? You’re squeezing my finger." He spoke as though it was the simplest request in the world.Beomgyu's insides stretched uncomfortably as Soobin's finger probed deeper. A sharp pang of anxiety shot through him, a fear that something might tear. Gasping for air, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind, a desperate plea that had nothing to do with Soobin's question. "T-Take it out! It feels… strange!""Oh, you're right," Soobin's response sparked a flicker of hope in Beomgyu's chest, but that hope shattered in an instant. "We need more lube."It seemed Beomgyu's plea had fallen on deaf ears. Soobin released his grip on the younger boy's thigh, casually reaching for the lubricant. With a single hand, he popped the lid and squeezed a decent amount of the slippery liquid onto his finger. Instead of pulling his finger out, Soobin aimed the lube directly at Beomgyu’s tight entrance, allowing his finger to glide in smoother than before.He placed the lubricant nearby, ready for another application, before repositioning his left hand on Beomgyu's thigh. With a slowness that was almost agonizing, he started withdrawing his finger….. only to thrust it back in."AH!" Beomgyu's choked moan burst out, his entire body jolting forward as if propelled by an unseen force.Soobin's finger continued its rhythmic dance, in and out, in and out, each movement slowly gathering speed. The pace quickened, becoming a mesmerizing blur of flesh and friction. Then, Soobin's hand twisted, his finger morphing into a teasing drill as he rotated it with each thrust.Beomgyu's knees trembled, threatening to buckle under the overwhelming sensations. He lowered his head, burying his face in the sheets, desperately trying to muffle the pleasure that threatened to spill from his lips. But even so, the room echoed with the slick, squelching sounds of Soobin's finger working its magic against his sensitive skin.I-Is this really necessary? Beomgyu wondered, a frown creasing his brow.The suppository looked smaller than Soobin's finger. With a little lube and a gentle push, it seemed like the whole thing could be over with in a flash. So why had the leader gone to the trouble of stretching his… anus?During that moment, Soobin's left hand suddenly deserted its hold on Beomgyu's trembling thigh again, diving into his pocket to retrieve his phone. Without a word, his gaze shifted to the illuminated screen, thumb deftly navigating its surface.Amid the rhythmic movements of his other hand, which continued its deliberate exploration within Beomgyu, his attention appeared entirely absorbed by the text on the screen. His brow furrowed slightly, the glow of concentration evident in the way his eyes tracked the scrolling lines of information.A faint murmur broke the silence, barely audible above Beomgyu's unsteady breathing, "It should be here somewhere..." But he didn't know what his leader might be searching for.The answer came swiftly and without warning. Soobin's finger curled and pressed against a spot within that sent an electric surge coursing through Beomgyu's body. The restrained moan he had been valiantly suppressing tore free, echoing in the room as though a secret switch had been flipped. His back arched involuntarily, betraying the overwhelming wave of sensation that washed over him."Found it," The older boy said with a hint of satisfaction, his voice as composed as ever, as if he'd merely located a misplaced item rather than elicited such a visceral reaction.Before Beomgyu could recover, the finger pressed against that spot again, coaxing another unrestrained sound from his lips. His hands gripped the bedsheet with such fervor it seemed as though he sought an anchor in a storm, but there was no resisting the sensations that were quickly overtaking him.Noticing the confusion flickering in Beomgyu's glassy eyes, he offered an explanation. "Everyone has a specific spot in their lower body that reacts intensely to stimulation—commonly referred to as the G-spot. I was just pinpointing its location based on what I found online."By now, the tight entrance had stretched considerably, allowing Soobin’s finger to glide in and out with a smoothness that came from repetition. However, he knew this was far from sufficient for what he ultimately intended. The space, while accommodating a single digit, was still too narrow to admit anything larger.With a clinical sort of determination, he made the decision to introduce a second finger, this time foregoing any preamble or gentle coaxing.The reaction was immediate. A sharp, unrestrained "Ouch!" escaped from Beomgyu’s lips, prompting Soobin to shift his gaze.Beomgyu remained prone, his shoulders trembling slightly, though this time, the shivers did not appear to stem from pleasure, it was evident that two fingers had pushed his tolerance to its limit. Yet, in the back of Soobin's mind lingered the knowledge that the human body was remarkably adaptive to gradual stretching."You’ll get used to it," Soobin muttered half-heartedly.As he considered his next move, his attention was drawn to an unusual sight. A thin string of sticky liquid was dripping onto the bedsheet below. His first thought was that he’d been careless with the lubricant, allowing it to spill. He leaned closer, intending to clean up before it could soak into the fabric."Hm?" But he stopped mid-motion, eyes narrowing as realization dawned. This wasn’t lube.The liquid was emanating from the noticeable bulge in Beomgyu’s underwear, and its unmistakable source quickly became evident—precum. It was a testament to how profoundly the anal stimulation had affected him.Beomgyu’s trembling hand suddenly clutched at Soobin’s right wrist, pulling his focus away from the dripping evidence of arousal. The boy’s pleading eyes and quivering grip conveyed a silent but urgent message: "Enough! Stop messing around and just finish this!" He didn’t vocalize his request, but the desperation was palpable.Soobin offered a reassuring response, intending to calm the younger boy, but his attempt was met with a vehement shake of Beomgyu’s head, refusing to endure any more of his placating words.Normally, such a plea would have softened the leader’s resolve. As a caring and attentive figure, Soobin often prioritized his members’ comfort above all else. But this time, something shifted in him. Beomgyu’s insistence didn’t coax compliance—it stirred something darker.Soobin’s expression hardened, a shadow passing over his features as he set his phone aside, raising his left hand into the air.Then came the clear crack of palm meeting flesh. The slap landed squarely on Beomgyu’s left buttcheek, the force enough to draw a startled yelp from the younger boy, whose whole body jolted in response. The sound echoed in the room, a mixture of sharp sting and lingering heat blooming across his skin.The leader didn’t stop there. His palm descended again and again, each slap striking the same reddened patch of skin with unrelenting precision. Beomgyu’s muffled sobs broke through the tense silence, each sound a crescendo of pain that grew harder to contain with every strike.At last, Soobin’s hand stilled, the room falling into an eerie quiet. When his voice came, it was icy and detached. "Not long ago, you refused my help with the same defiant attitude. I’m doing this for your own good, why do you have to act like a brat?"Under different circumstances, Beomgyu might have swallowed his pride, mumbled an apology, and submitted to the authority of his leader. But the manager’s recent advice lingered in his mind like a burning ember, igniting his resolve. He knew this wasn’t right—he had to push back!Biting his lower lip to stifle the tremors in his voice, Beomgyu tightened his grip around Soobin’s wrist, his fingers trembling but resolute. With a sudden burst of defiance, he yanked the other boy's hand away from his body and pushed himself upright, fighting against the pounding headache that blurred his vision.Turning to meet Soobin’s gaze head-on, Beomgyu’s eyes burned with a mixture of determination and something the leader had rarely seen from him: hatred."Soobin," he began. "You’re NOT taking care of me! Everything about this is disgusting! It feels like… like… sexual assault…" The last words left his lips in a near whisper, as though saying them aloud made them too real, too heavy. It pained him to associate such a vile term with someone he trusted so deeply.The room descended into an almost suffocating silence. Soobin didn’t offer a rebuttal, didn’t apologize, didn’t so much as blink. His expression remained eerily blank, a chilling contrast to his usual caring demeanor.Beomgyu felt his pulse quicken when he realized his underwear was still awkwardly half-down, so he hurriedly pulled them up.Just then…Soobin lunged forward without warning, closing the gap between them in an instant. Beomgyu barely had time to react before he was shoved backward, his body hitting the bed with a dull thud. Soobin’s hands shot out, gripping Beomgyu’s neck with a strength that felt unnatural, almost mechanical. Pressure built rapidly, stealing the air from his lungs.Beomgyu’s eyes widened in terror as his air supply was abruptly cut off. He coughed, his body thrashing. His hands instinctively flew to Soobin’s arms, clawing weakly at the iron grip. But his fever had drained him of strength, and his attempts were futile.The leader’s expression remained eerily stoic, as though the gravity of his actions failed to register. The grip only tightened further.Blood rushed to Beomgyu’s head, his face turning an alarming shade of pink as his lungs burned with desperation. Fear overtook every corner of his mind, pushing aside the pain and exhaustion. If this didn’t stop, he might faint—or worse!Summoning the last fragments of his strength, Beomgyu forced out strangled, barely audible words. "Soo… bin... I’m s… orry... please... let... m… e... go..."The Soobin Beomgyu once knew—the kind-hearted, dependable leader who cared deeply for his bandmates—felt like a distant memory now. This version of Soobin, cold, detached, and terrifyingly assertive, was someone entirely unfamiliar. The cruel gleam in his eyes and the eerie calmness of his actions sent shivers down Beomgyu’s spine.For Soobin, however, this shift in power was intoxicating. He had always been the gentle one, the leader who prioritized harmony and avoided confrontation. But now, with Beomgyu beneath him—vulnerable, trembling, and utterly at his mercy—It somehow felt… satisfying. The aphrodisiac that coursed through his veins only amplified these feelings, turning the moment into something dangerously inviting. He had to admit it to himself: he liked seeing Beomgyu this desperate, this broken.Soobin’s breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with the pounding of his heart. He loosened his grip slightly, allowing Beomgyu to gasp for air, though his other hand remained firmly wrapped around the boy’s slender neck.His free hand traveled downward, fingers tugging at the waistband of Beomgyu’s underwear before yanking it away entirely. The fabric was gone, leaving Beomgyu’s lower body exposed to the cold air and Soobin’s invasive gaze.The younger boy’s reaction was immediate—panic set in, his body jerking instinctively to escape. But the moment he moved, Soobin’s grip on his neck tightened again, cutting off any attempt at resistance.The leader pressed a finger to his own lips. "Shh… if you behave, I’ll make this quick."Beomgyu’s wide, terrified eyes followed Soobin’s hand as it moved from his lips to his trousers. The realization of what was coming next hit Beomgyu like a freight train. His instincts told him to fight back, to scream for help, to do something!But he knew better. The faint bruising on his neck was a stark reminder of what his hyung would do.
HE MIGHT CHOKE ME TO DEATH!!!
The said boy didn’t fully undress but simply unzipped enough for his erection to spring free, the tip glistening with precum. The sight only deepened Beomgyu’s despair."Do you want more lube?" Soobin asked casually, as if the choice would make any difference.That question was cruel in its feigned consideration. The implication was clear—there would be no stopping what was coming. The only choice Beomgyu had was how much pain he was willing to endure.Swallowing his pride, Beomgyu bit his trembling lip, his voice barely audible as he forced out the words. "Y-Yes…"Almost immediately, Soobin leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "Good choice," he said as his hand reached for the item.This time, he didn’t even bother to cap the lubricant after using it; the tube was discarded carelessly to the side, its open lid spilling remnants onto the sheets, a testament to his growing impatience. He coated his throbbing length with a quick, perfunctory swipe, spreading just enough to ease his way. The subtle slick sound seemed deafening in the oppressive silence of the room.Soobin adjusted his position, guiding his cock toward Beomgyu’s vulnerable entrance. Beomgyu lay paralyzed, his body trembling as though it might shatter under the weight of his emotions.In his mind, a single plea echoed like a desperate mantra. Someone... please... HELP MEE!!!!!......In Yeonjun's room, Kai, who had been lounging in a relaxed position, suddenly straightened, his head snapping up as a peculiar expression of confusion and unease crossed his face. His eyes darted around the room, as if searching for something invisible yet urgently important.Taehyun, seated next to him, was the first to notice. "What's wrong?" The question caught Yeonjun’s attention as well, and he turned his gaze toward the youngest member.Kai didn’t answer immediately. His brows furrowed, his lips parted, and he blinked rapidly as if processing a thought he couldn’t quite grasp. After a moment, he spoke with uncertainty. "I don’t know. It’s weird, but… I feel like I just heard Beomgyu screaming for help."The room grew quiet, Yeonjun and Taehyun exchanging confused looks. Kai, however, didn’t seem done. "Also, it’s like someone’s voice was in my head. They said…" He paused, his expression darkening. "They said that Soobin has lost it, that he’s trying to… take Beomgyu’s virginity right now..."Yeonjun’s brows knit together, his disbelief evident. "What? That doesn’t make sense. We all agreed we wouldn’t push Beomgyu like that. Soobin knows that better than anyone."Kai looked at him, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "I know, but…"Before he could finish his sentence, Kai stiffened, his breath hitching as if struck by an unseen force. His eyes widened, a sudden urgency taking over his entire demeanor. Without warning, he bolted upright and took off toward the door."Kai!" Yeonjun called after him, but the maknae didn’t stop.Taehyun rose to his feet, his expression serious. "We should go after him."Yeonjun nodded, and the two followed Kai into the hallway. By the time they reached Beomgyu’s room, the door was already flung wide open, swinging slightly on its hinges as though it had been thrown ajar in haste. When they looked inside, chaos unfolded before them.Soobin sat on the floor near the bed, his head hanging low, his chest heaving with uneven breaths. His trousers were haphazardly undone, and his... thing was exposed. It seemed he had just been pushed by someone.On the bed, Kai knelt, wrapping Beomgyu’s trembling form in a blanket and cradling him against his chest. Beomgyu clung to him desperately, his face buried in Kai’s shoulder, sobbing so hard his entire frame shook. His grip was almost clawing, as though afraid the maknae might vanish if he let go.Despite knowing the complicated dynamics between them, Beomgyu had instinctively chosen Kai—perhaps as the lesser threat, or perhaps because, in that moment, he simply needed someone, anyone, who could offer him safety, even if only for a fleeting moment.Soobin remained motionless on the floor, a hollow silence surrounding him, as though he, too, was grappling with the consequences of whatever had just transpired.Kai’s presence radiated quiet fury, his eyes glaring down at Soobin with an intensity that could cut. Yet he said nothing, possibly because he didn't want to risk exposing too much of their twisted plan to Beomgyu in the heat of the moment.Yeonjun and Taehyun stood frozen at the threshold, their gazes darting between the fallen leader and the broken boy in Kai’s arms. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on them, an unspoken question hanging in the air: What just happened here?It took an awkwardly long moment for them to fully process everything. Then, Yeonjun slowly walked up to Soobin, his movements deliberate as if trying to contain the storm brewing inside him. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and deadpan, cutting through the suffocating silence. "We’ll have a long talk about this."Soobin didn’t respond with words. His head remained lowered, shoulders slumped under the weight of guilt and self-awareness. He knew there was no defense for what he had done—no excuse that could justify his actions. All he could do was give a small, understanding nod."But first…" Yeonjun added, catching the leader’s attention.Without finishing his sentence, the eldest grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to his feet. Yeonjun’s other hand caught Taehyun’s wrist as well, dragging the younger boy along as he strode out of the room."What are you doing?" Taehyun blurted out, saving Soobin the trouble of asking the same question.Yeonjun didn’t slow his steps or look back as he replied, "The condition for each member to 'finish' their turn with Beomgyu is to let them reach climax. It would be unfair not to at least give Soobin the time to relieve himself before we start lecturing him."Anticipating the next question forming in Taehyun’s mind, Yeonjun continued, "Besides, Kai’s the best choice to stay with Beomgyu right now. Adding us to the room would only worsen his trauma."By the time he finished speaking, the trio had reached a nearby restroom. Without missing a beat, Yeonjun shoved Soobin inside and shut the door behind him with an air of casual finality."Sort yourself out," he said bluntly, leaning back against the doorframe as though guarding it. "Call us when you’re done."Taehyun was stunned, glancing between Yeonjun and the closed restroom door. "You’re SERIOUSLY just going to wait here while he’s—"Yeonjun cut him off with a raised hand. "Let him handle it. He needs to clear his head, and I doubt we can leave him alone while he’s still not in his right mind."The boy inside the restroom remained silent, but Yeonjun and Taehyun both knew he had heard them clearly. The faint noises that began to filter through the door hinted at activity, though the barrier muffled any specific details. Neither of them attempted to investigate further, opting instead to wait in tense silence.Eventually, Taehyun broke it, his voice tinged with unease. "Hyung, you’re probably wondering the same thing as me… How did Kai even hear Beomgyu? Did Beomgyu actually scream out loud? If he did, shouldn’t everyone in the hotel have heard it? I didn’t catch anything."Yeonjun crossed his arms, his gaze drifting toward the hallway’s dim corner. "You’re right. I didn’t hear a thing either. I wanna say Kai misheard or imagined it, but…" He gestured vaguely in the direction of Beomgyu’s room. "We both saw it with our own eyes."He paused, rubbing his chin in thought. "Kai also mentioned that someone told him Soobin had lost control. If that’s true, then—"Taehyun’s eyes lit up with realization, cutting Yeonjun off mid-sentence. "Wait a second. Doesn’t this sound like what happened with Soobin yesterday? He also said he heard a strange voice, didn’t he?"The connection was too glaring to ignore. Both boys exchanged a tense look, their thoughts aligning. There was only one plausible explanation—the devil was involved again. Yet, instead of providing clarity, this discovery unraveled a tangle of new questions.Yeonjun voiced the most pressing one, his brow furrowing. "Why Kai specifically? If this… devil wanted someone to intervene, wouldn’t it make more sense to warn all three of us? Three against one would’ve been a guaranteed success."He assumed that the devil’s actions follow logic, but logic seemed irrelevant when dealing with a being that defied comprehension. They had only recently become aware of this supernatural presence, its nature and motives remained an enigma.Taehyun made a guess. "Maybe it’s not about efficiency. There might be something about Kai… something that made him the target for this message."Yeonjun nodded slowly, though uncertainty clouded his features. "Yeah.. or maybe it’s just playing with us, testing how far it can manipulate the situation. Either way, we don’t have enough information to figure out its endgame."Their discussion about the paranormal entity soon reached an impasse. With no new insights to be gleaned and the conversation circling back on itself, they tacitly agreed to shelve the topic for another time, shifting their focus to lighter matters.Meanwhile, in Beomgyu's room, the atmosphere was far from light. Kai, still cradling the trembling older boy in his arms, loosened his protective grip slightly, his hand brushing against Beomgyu's fevered forehead before reaching for the solitary suppository that had been lying untouched for what felt like an eternity.The sight of the item was enough to ignite a storm of panic within Beomgyu. Memories of humiliation and fear surged forward, causing him to thrash wildly, his arms and legs flailing in a desperate bid to escape. Kai's expression softened, and he tightened his hold, drawing Beomgyu closer to shield him from his own terror."Calm down, hyung…" Kai murmured softly, as if afraid that raising it might shatter the fragile equilibrium. "I’m just gonna use this to help with your fever. That’s all."But Beomgyu’s fear was unrelenting. He shook his head frantically, his voice cracking with desperation. "N-No... don’t touch… m-me..."Kai didn’t push, understanding that force would only deepen the cracks in Beomgyu’s already fragile psyche. Instead, with one arm still securely around the older boy’s shoulders, he began to rub soothing circles along Beomgyu’s arm. His next words were even softer, almost imploring. "… I promise it won’t take long, not like Soobin."Beomgyu froze, his movements slowing as Kai’s earnest tone began to chip away at his defenses. Seeing the flicker of uncertainty in Beomgyu’s tearful eyes, Kai added, his expression tinged with genuine sadness. "Please?"The simple plea struck a chord deep within Beomgyu, as it always seemed to. Slowly, he ceased his struggling, his body falling still. Though his trembling persisted, it was clear he had chosen to trust Kai—albeit tentatively. The weight of betrayal lingered heavily in his mind, but he willed himself to give the maknae this one chance.Kai smiled gratefully, then positioned the suppository at Beomgyu’s entrance with painstaking care, moving as gently as if handling delicate glass. He waited patiently for Beomgyu to steady his erratic breaths. Only when the older boy gave a small, hesitant nod did Kai proceed.The suppository slid in effortlessly, aided by the lingering lubrication from earlier events. Beomgyu braced himself for the pain he had feared, shutting his eyes tightly in anticipation. Yet before he could fully register what had happened, Kai’s cheerful voice broke through the haze of dread. "All done! Thanks for cooperating."Beomgyu’s eyes snapped open, wide with confusion. He blinked rapidly, trying to process the speed of the event. Had it truly been that quick? And painless?Chuckling softly at his hyung’s bewildered expression, Kai explained. "The entrance was already lubed and stretched, so the suppository went in smoothly."The weight of the situation finally seemed to lift off Beomgyu's shoulders, a deep sense of relief washed over him. He let out a quiet breath, feeling the knot in his chest loosen."Thanks..." The words left his mouth almost involuntarily, a reflex of gratitude he always showed towards people.The maknae gently laid Beomgyu’s head back on the pillow with slow and deliberate movements. Then, with a glance toward the door, he began to rise, preparing to leave."Where are you going?" The other boy asked."Just checking on Soobin," Kai answered. "He might be drowning in guilt right now, maybe even hurting himself, so I think I should go check on him."By that time, his hand had already rested on the door handle. Before he left, he turned back to meet Beomgyu’s weary gaze again. "Rest as much as you can, I’ll let the staff know about your condition."Beomgyu, grateful for the thought, nodded with rare ease. "Okay..." His eyelids fluttered, the exhaustion from everything weighing heavily on him.Kai’s next words, however, caught him off guard. "Do you need any massage?"The older boy blinked in confusion, then shook his head with an awkward smile. "Er... no, I’m good."Kai chuckled softly, seemingly satisfied with the response, and stepped out of the room. The faint sound of his footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing quieter with each passing second, until silence once again enveloped the room.Beomgyu lay there, his mind clouded with exhaustion, but a small flicker of something unsettling pricked at the back of his mind, like the echo of a memory lingering just beyond reach.He furrowed his brow, his voice barely above a whisper as he mumbled to himself, "I feel like I’ve heard those words before..."...Amid the ongoing conversation between Yeonjun and Taehyun, a sudden, unexpected question broke through the air, coming from Soobin. "Uh… is Kai out there?"Both Yeonjun and Taehyun paused, turning toward the door with the same perplexed expression. Neither of them had anticipated this question, and they couldn’t quite figure out why the leader had asked about the maknae so suddenly. But before they could offer any response, Kai appeared in the hallway, jogging toward them."My job was done, so I came here to check on—" he paused mid-sentence, his words cutting off when he noticed Yeonjun and Taehyun staring at him, eyes wide in shock. "Why are you two looking at me like that?"From inside the restroom, Soobin’s voice came again, a little louder this time. "Guys? Is Kai there?"Yeonjun, finally snapping out of his momentary confusion, answered quickly. "Oh, yeah, he’s here. But not five seconds ago. How did you know?"Equally confused, Soobin replied. "Huh? I’m not sure. I just… suddenly felt his presence around here.""What are you, a telepath?" Taehyun said with a deadpan tone.Kai’s gaze shifted toward the door, his eyes narrowing with an intensity that made it feel like he could see straight through the material. His voice, when he spoke, was startlingly blunt. "Soobin, that’s enough jerking, you’re gonna make a mess."The shock from Kai’s words barely had time to settle in before Soobin’s flustered reply cut through the air, making it worse. "Oh, s-sorry." Then, there was a flurry of hurried clothing noises.Kai let out a weary sigh, his gaze now turning toward Yeonjun and Taehyun, offering them a tired, almost resigned look. "You should’ve told him to stop after the second orgasm. Jerking off too much isn’t healthy."At that moment, Yeonjun and Taehyun were left utterly confused and overwhelmed, their brains struggling to process the barrage of random information.It was Taehyun who couldn’t hold back his rising frustration and exploded with a tidal wave of questions. "Argh! What’s the meaning of this?! How did you know about Beomgyu’s situation?! How could Soobin know you were here before you even got here?! And how the hell could you tell that he had jerked off three times?!"The hallway went deathly silent for a moment, Kai blinking in mild shock at his hyung's outburst. For a moment, he appeared ready to answer, but then his expression shifted to one of uncertainty. His lips parted, then closed again, as if grappling for words that wouldn’t come."I… don’t know either." He finally replied.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
In Yeonjun's room, Soobin sat rigidly on the floor, his gaze meeting the unyielding, almost judgmental stares of his two bandmates standing before him. The scene bore an uncanny resemblance to a child being reprimanded by his strict parents, but the weight of the moment stemmed from a far more disturbing reason.Meanwhile, Kai had been dispatched on a covert mission—retrieving all of Soobin’s belongings from Beomgyu’s room, a precautionary move to erase any trace of the leader’s most recent misdeeds.Of course, the manager would inevitably discover the truth in time. It was only natural. Yet, if there was any chance of keeping the circle of awareness limited to just him, they needed to take it. After all, adding more allies to the manager’s side might jeopardize the group’s precarious balance, a risk no one could afford.And so Soobin sat, suffocating under the weight of his impending reprimand. He had violated the most sacrosanct rule within their tightly-knit circle: no one must take Beomgyu’s virginity yet. Of all the members, Soobin was expected to uphold that principle with unwavering conviction. To everyone’s astonishment—and perhaps his own—he had come dangerously close to breaking it.The anticipated lecture veered off course when Taehyun broke the silence with a disarmingly casual inquiry. "Is it true that you masturbated three times?""I-I’m sorry for what I did to Beom—wait, what?" His prepared apology halted mid-sentence as he looked up, stunned.Taehyun’s tone remained unbothered as he reiterated, "Did you really jerk off three times in that restroom?"A flush crawled up Soobin’s cheeks. His gaze darted between Taehyun’s enigmatic expression and Yeonjun’s subtle smirk, but when no punchline came, he managed a hesitant nod. "Y-Yeah. Why?"It hit him a second later. Oh no, he knew what they were implying. His realization came just as Yeonjun’s voice cut through like a blade."No ordinary human climaxes three times in a row without a break," he said, narrowing his eyes as though inspecting a rare specimen. "Were you that horny?"The implication made Soobin’s face burn hotter, and he quickly shook his head.Yeonjun remained unconvinced. "I mean… if that’s the case, your stamina is quite impressive."Taehyun nodded in agreement, a gleam of amusement betraying his otherwise calm demeanor. "Yeah, imagine if you’d fucked him, his poor little anus would’ve been pumped full of thick liquid by the third round."Soobin choked on air, his face burning with shame. He forced a small cough to mask his reaction but didn’t deny Taehyun’s teasing. At this point, he wasn’t sure if the scolding would have been less mortifying.Yeonjun’s voice was chillingly composed when he finally addressed the true purpose of their gathering. "Now," he began, "Let’s discuss the fact that you almost raped Beomgyu, shall we?"The crude directness of his words made Soobin’s entire body seize up, a wave of nausea rising in his chest. He bit his lip hard, his head hanging low as if the weight of his shame were too much to bear. Finally, he muttered, "I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me… Maybe I shouldn’t have taken that aphrodisiac chocolate after all."Despite Soobin’s visible distress, the pair standing before him barely reacted. Taehyun tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting to meet Yeonjun’s. The elder returned the glance, a subtle yet loaded exchange passing between them. No words were needed—they both understood. It was time to tell Soobin the truth.Naturally, being the one who had initiated the chaos, Yeonjun broke the silence with a casual shrug. "Oh, the chocolate? It was just a regular one."Soobin’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with confusion. "Huh?"There was no point in drawing it out any longer. Yeonjun’s smirk deepened as he delivered the truth with brutal clarity. "It had no aphrodisiac effects whatsoever. Everything you felt, everything you did—it was all you."For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Soobin’s wide eyes stared blankly, his mind struggling to process the revelation. Then, like a dam breaking, the realization hit him with full force. His body jolted upright, and a look of pure horror etched itself across his face.If the chocolate had no effect, then every action he had taken—The invasive touches, the gaslighting, the overwhelming lust that had consumed him, the choking, the intention that had danced on the edge of an unspeakable act—had all stemmed from his own desires.It was him. All him.Yeonjun leaned closer, his breath ghosting over Soobin’s ear as he whispered, his voice dripping with malicious satisfaction. "How does it feel to let your inner wolf loose on Beomgyu? To indulge in your primal instincts? Isn’t it fucking amazing?"Soobin remained frozen as Yeonjun pulled away, utterly speechless at the moral abyss laid bare before him. He had assumed that the trio's intervention was driven by some remnant of sanity, a shred of decency left in them. But now, it seemed clear that he had misjudged their motives entirely.Taehyun noticed the shift in Soobin’s expression and, as though reading his thoughts, offered an explanation. "Don’t get us wrong. We only stepped in because, well, it’s not exactly cool to let your animal instincts take over like that. Plus, we need to have a proper discussion about Beomgyu’s virginity before anyone makes a move. Other than that? Trust me, we understand the urge to fuck his brains out more than you do."Soobin blinked, his silence no longer fueled by sheer disbelief but by something more complex—something that felt dangerously close to consideration. The words echoed in his mind, intertwining with the memory of what he had done. As much as he hated himself for it, a treacherous thought crept in: the experience had been... enjoyable. The eldest boy reassured him. "Take all the time you need to rest and process everything. No one’s forcing you to embrace it. Still... you can’t lie to yourself forever."Soobin pressed his lips together, neither agreeing nor denying the statement. He didn’t move, but his expression betrayed the internal battle raging within him.It would take time—perhaps a long while—for him to sort through the chaos and make a choice.With Soobin’s ordeal temporarily set aside, Yeonjun felt exhaustion settle over him. He rubbed his temples and sighed deeply, already dreading what lay ahead. His thoughts shifted to the next impending issue: Kai. He already had a good idea of what the youngest member might do when given the chance, and the mere thought exhausted him."Taehyun," he muttered, "Keep an eye on Kai for me. You know how affectionate he is. Even if he lets his lust for Beomgyu slip in public, people will chalk it up to his 'maknae charm.' I don’t want him using that to his advantage."Taehyun nodded without hesitation. "Got it. But we can always talk to him about his plans in the group chat, like usual."Yeonjun acknowledged the suggestion with a nod, but his expression darkened suddenly.Huh? His brows furrowed as an invasive image flashed through his mind—unbidden, vivid, and deeply unsettling.It wasn’t the first time he’d experienced something like this. It had occurred a few times before, and though strange, they often seemed oddly useful, like glimpses of a future he wasn’t meant to see but could prepare for. Yet this time, it was different. There was no context, no connection to anything tangible.All he saw was a single, haunting image: Kai’s bloody hand....If anyone asked what Kai cherished most, aside from his family and bandmates, he’d undoubtedly mention his collection of plushies. His love for them was almost excessive, with half his dorm bed engulfed by a collection of soft, squishy companions.To put it simply, he adored cute and fluffy things.Ironically, Beomgyu wasn’t far from fitting into that category. With his shy demeanor, delicate features, and skin that was inexplicably smooth to the touch, he was practically a walking plushie.But there was a critical difference—plushies couldn't react. No matter how much Kai squeezed and tossed them around, their charm remained unchanged. Beomgyu, however, was another story entirely.There was a fragile sweetness about him, but unlike Kai's inanimate companions, Beomgyu responded. When teased or bitten, he would shiver, let out quiet, breathy whimpers, and respond with visible discomfort—or better, submissive compliance. And most importantly, Beomgyu could never bring himself to retaliate against his precious maknae.
Like a perfect little sex slave.
Back when the group had been closer, when they had felt more like a family, Beomgyu’s puppy-eyed begging had always had a certain effect on Kai.At first, he dismissed it as nothing more than the innocent affection shared between friends. But now, as his understanding of his feelings deepened, he recognized it for what it truly was—lust. And with that realization came a drastic shift in how he viewed Beomgyu.More and more often, Kai found his gaze trailing down to Beomgyu’s trousers. His brow would furrow slightly, disappointed to see nothing revealing.On rare occasions, he had the fortune of seeing Beomgyu in shorts, but they never seemed to rise higher than knee-length, leaving too much to the imagination.He began to wonder how Beomgyu might look in a skirt—a short one, the kind that barely covered anything.Why did that idea excite Kai so much? The idea wasn’t born out of a preference for feminine attire but because it was Beomgyu of all people. His soft features and graceful demeanor were already androgynous enough to blur the lines. If he were to don a skirt, Kai could mistake him for a girl.But more than the aesthetic appeal, there was a practical allure to the image. A skirt, after all, would be far more convenient for certain... activities.The only problem standing in Kai’s way was the manager.That man was a thorn in Kai’s side, always meddling, always watching, and Kai found his presence increasingly unbearable. The thought of getting rid of him wasn’t new—it had crossed his mind more times than he cared to admit.However, Kai wasn’t reckless. He understood the weight of such an act, the inevitable chaos it would unleash.If the manager were to be killed, the police would launch an investigation. Given the company’s high profile, the incident would ignite a media frenzy, dragging their careers into an irreversible scandal. It would be more than just being inconvenient.Kai sighed, gripping Soobin's belongings he’d gathered from Beomgyu’s room as he walked down the corridor toward Yeonjun’s door.He knew the idea wasn't worth it. Yet, a dark part of him whispered otherwise. With the manager’s reputation already teetering, maybe there was a way to twist the situation to his advantage.As Kai stepped into Yeonjun’s room, his train of thought derailed. The eldest rushed toward him with an intensity that made him flinch.The question that came was shocking. "Kai, are you planning to kill the manager?"The tension, which had previously been centered on Soobin’s turmoil, now turned toward the youngest member. Kai was surprised; yet, his face didn’t show the shock of someone falsely accused but rather the unease of someone whose secret had been exposed."Answer me." Yeonjun demanded, cutting through the silence without offering any context for his question.Kai hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor before meeting Yeonjun’s piercing eyes. "I did think about it," he admitted with surprising calmness. "It was only a thought, but yes, I wanted to get rid of that annoying old man."The bluntness of his confession stunned the room. Kai would never speak ill of others, even in private. For him to voice such venom now was a clear testament to just how much he’d changed.The trio remained silent. They couldn’t judge him, not when similar thoughts had crossed their minds at some point. The manager's overbearing presence had worn thin on all of them.Sensing their unease, Kai offered reassurance. "Don’t worry, I won’t do it. The consequences are far too heavy."Yeonjun's brow furrowed in contemplation. He didn’t care about the manager’s fate in itself; Kai was right about the inconvenience it would cause. Yet, the memory of that bloody hand still lingered in his thoughts like an omen he couldn’t shake.None of the predictions had been wrong before. What if this one was no exception?"Why do you ask?" The question was inevitable, as Kai and the others shared the same curiosity.Yeonjun hesitated for a moment before revealing the truth. Recently, he had been experiencing what could only be described as a gift—or perhaps, a curse—that allowed him to glimpse fragments of the future. These glimpses were unpredictable, unprompted, and entirely beyond his control.The first instance occurred when the group had been discussing Taehyun's plan in detail, struggling to pinpoint the exact moment the manager might stop monitoring Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Kai. Out of nowhere, the number "39" flashed in Yeonjun’s mind—a precise timing that approximated 40 minutes. When they later executed the plan, the prediction proved eerily accurate.The second time came when Yeonjun was pondering the best time for a delivery. A vivid scene played out in his mind: he saw himself stepping outside to retrieve the package at around 4:30 a.m. As events unfolded, the timing aligned perfectly once again.But this third vision was different. This time, he saw only an image of Kai’s hand stained with blood. There was no context, no discernible event preceding or following it. It was unsettlingly vague.After Yeonjun finished his explanation, questions arose from the others, each seeking clarity in their own way.Kai was the first to speak. "How do you know it was my hand? You said you only saw a blood-stained hand.""I’m not entirely sure," Yeonjun admitted. "I just… knew." His recognition, it seemed, was purely instinctual.Soobin followed with his own query. "How can you be certain it was the manager’s blood? It could’ve belonged to anyone."Yeonjun lowered his gaze thoughtfully. "Maybe. But considering our resentment toward the manager, he is my first assumption."Taehyun was the last to ask, though his question caught everyone off guard. "Are you sure this ability actually lets you see the future? It doesn’t sound like it."The room fell silent as they turned their attention to him, waiting for him to elaborate. "From what I understand," Taehyun continued, "Seeing the future would involve clear intentions—decisions we actively choose to follow. But every prediction you’ve mentioned so far doesn’t seem rooted in any specific intention. They feel more like… suggestions."Yeonjun blinked hard as he realized something. If Taehyun was right, perhaps what he perceived as foresight was something else entirely—a guidance steering them toward certain outcomes."So, you mean..." Yeonjun murmured. "This ability is suggesting that Kai needs to kill the manager? Is that supposed to be a better outcome?"Taehyun shook his head. "I have no idea. But if I had to guess, the manager's death might be inevitable. The devil already forced Soobin to kill him once, so maybe 'it' has shifted focus to Kai now."The maknae crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Even if that's true, we all know the chaos it would bring. Why would the devil, or whatever this is, think killing someone would benefit us?"The eldest rubbed his temples, weariness etched across his features. "Let’s stop overthinking this. Whatever that vision was, it doesn’t mean we have to follow it. Bloodshed isn’t necessary—at least, not right now."Soobin lowered his gaze. "But what if the devil controls Kai, like 'it' did with me yesterday? If the devil's capable of that once, what’s stopping 'it' from doing that again?"Yeonjun's disagreement was immediate. "If the devil is truly as powerful as we’re making 'it' out to be, why hasn’t 'it' controlled everything from the start? Why bother with all this cryptic nonsense?"The maknae let out a long, exasperated sigh. "This is giving me a headache. Can we just stop? Talking in circles isn’t solving anything."Taehyun fixed his gaze on Kai, his tone cautious. "Kai, just to be clear... you're not actually planning to kill anyone, right?""I'm not," Kai replied firmly, his words putting the group at ease, at least for the moment.Yeonjun took a deep breath before addressing the rest of them. "Alright, let’s wrap this up. Each of you should head back to your rooms before the manager wakes up. We don’t need him sniffing around and asking questions."He straightened up. "Once we’re on the van heading back to the dorm, we’ll figure out our next steps. For now, pack whatever you need for the trip."...By morning, Beomgyu’s fever had subsided enough for him to move around, though he was still far from fully recovered. The staff didn’t question his condition too much, attributing it to Beomgyu catching Soobin’s fever—a plausible explanation and one that was technically true. However, what had transpired after that remained entirely hidden from their view.Beomgyu’s illness shouldn’t have warranted much concern, but the manager’s reaction suggested otherwise. The moment he learned of Beomgyu’s condition, his already sour mood got 10 times worse.The staff had anticipated some annoyance, given the circumstances, but none of them were prepared for the sheer intensity of the manager’s reaction. His face twisted with such palpable rage that it looked as though he was prepared to murder someone.His piercing glare immediately sought out Soobin. With a voice cold enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine, he uttered the damning words, "It seems I was wrong about you."Under normal circumstances, such a declaration might have been devastating—enough to shatter Soobin’s resolve entirely. But now? He merely averted his gaze with mild discomfort, his face betraying no guilt or remorse.The lack of any redeemable response was telling, and it confirmed what the manager had begun to suspect: Soobin was no longer the reliable leader he had once trusted.The man’s sharp eyes then turned to Kai, narrowing as a new suspicion took root. It was clear he was beginning to piece together the twisted game they were playing—the unspoken agreement among the group to take turns making their moves on Beomgyu. And it was likely Kai's turn now.While fans might view him as a cute and quirky maknae, the manager saw him for what he truly was: a grown adult capable of harboring darker intentions.The expectation that idols must embody innocence and perfection was a double-edged sword. For most, it became an exhausting burden, a constant struggle to uphold perfection in the public eye. For some, it served as a perfect cover to exploit, manipulate, and even engage in illegal activities.While cases of rotten idols were exceptionally rare, the possibility was never zero. They were human, after all, susceptible to the same darkness as anyone else. Yet, for TXT—a group celebrated as paragons of charm, talent, and integrity—to potentially fall into such a category? It wasn’t just a scandal; it was an unthinkable disaster.The manager feared that the four members had descended so far into the abyss that they’d collectively chosen to abandon not only their careers but also their futures. And yet, this wasn’t the full extent of his concerns.The company they worked under was equally rotten. Telling the higher-ups about the members' behavior might only serve to place Beomgyu—the innocent centerpiece of this storm—in an even more perilous position. The thought of confiding in the very organization that had failed to protect its artists sickened him.That left him with only one feasible option: going public with the truth. But to do so required a powerful ally, someone with enough credibility and influence to ensure their words wouldn’t be dismissed as baseless accusations.The problem was trust—an essential currency the manager lacked.His trust issues ran so deep that he could barely name anyone he could confide in. If there was anyone who came close, it was Beomgyu himself. The rest of the world, however, seemed like a web of deceit.Or was it?Could his distrust of society be a sign of paranoia? Was he succumbing to a mental illness born from years of enduring this toxic environment?Perhaps I should just take Beomgyu and leave. He thought bitterly.In the past, he had dismissed such an idea as cowardice, equating it to an admission of guilt. But now? It seemed like the only viable escape from the spiraling nightmare.The manager was exhausted—tired of upholding the weight of a system that thrived on exploitation and pretense. Maybe it was time to let everything go.With that in mind, he silently followed the staff and climbed into the van. He had initially proposed sitting at the back, strategically placing himself between Yeonjun and Beomgyu. The remaining three members would occupy the middle row, a setup he thought might allow him to observe the dynamics more closely.However, his suggestion was quickly dismissed by the staff without much deliberation. He offered no explanation for his reasoning, but even if he had, it was unlikely to have changed the outcome. His credibility among the staff had eroded so thoroughly that even the slightest deviation from the norm was met with suspicion.As he reluctantly took his usual seat, Beomgyu gave him a faint pat on the back. The smile that accompanied it was so forced and hollow that it unsettled the manager, leaving him unable to discern whether it held any genuine warmth or was simply a mask."I'll be fine…" the boy said softly, his words vague yet heavy with implication, a message intended solely for the manager.Beomgyu’s worsening mood and withdrawn demeanor confirmed his darkest suspicions. Soobin had undoubtedly done something vile to him, something that mirrored the actions of the other members.The manager clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he fought to keep his expression neutral. These boys deserved imprisonment! And if given the chance, he wouldn’t hesitate to make them pay for their crimes!...
Yeonjun:
Ignore him. It’s not like he can do anything beyond a slap. And even that’s risky, imagine explaining a swollen face on an idol.
Taehyun:
Exactly. So let’s cut to the chase before he starts wondering why all four of us are glued to our phones.
Taehyun:
Kai, what do you want to do with Beomgyu?
Kai:
Hmm…
Kai:
I like the idea of him wearing a skirt.
Soobin:
What?!
Yeonjun:
That’s it? No spanking? No bondage? No torture or anything freaky?
Taehyun:
No choking?
Soobin:
Taehyun. That’s not funny.
Taehyun:
Relax, I’m just listing options.
Yeonjun:
Honestly, Kai, the way you act had me convinced you’d have a mile-long list of kinks. But this is surprisingly tame.
Kai:
You think so?
Yeonjun:
Yeah, unless this is just the tip of the iceberg, and you’ve got more elaborate fantasies to share.
Kai:
Well, you’re not wrong. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of my ideas involve penetration, so the list isn’t exactly extensive.
Yeonjun:
So you're saying you like anything that involves putting your cock inside him?
Kai:
Not always. Toys work too. I love the sight of different shapes disappearing into his anus, then coming out covered in juices.
Kai:
But of course, I still prefer using my cock. There's something special about the skin-to-skin sensation.
Kai:
The most thrilling part is when you ejaculate, and the hole can't handle the amount of semen. Some of it oozes out the moment you pull out.
Soobin:
That’s… a bit too detailed. I feel like I’m watching porn right now.
Taehyun:
Sounds intense. Your description makes it seem like you’ve got a bit of a breeding kink going on. What do you think about getting him pregnant?
Kai:
No complaints here. And while we’re at it, I might even bite his neck hard enough to draw blood. I’ve always wanted to bite Beomgyu.
Yeonjun:
Wow. I take back what I said earlier, you’re just as freaky as the rest of us.
Yeonjun:
But now that you can’t actually do any of that to him, what’s your plan if you manage to get him to wear a skirt?
Kai:
Do you remember what I said after Beomgyu left during the fansign event?
Taehyun:
Yeah, you suggested public sex.
Yeonjun:
Kai, don’t tell me you’re planning to touch him where you could get caught at any moment.
Kai:
Sadly, yes. I enjoy the thrill of that scenario.
Beomgyu sat between Yeonjun and Kai in the back row, attempting to feign sleep, all the while hoping to eavesdrop on their conversation.Unfortunately for him, they seemed to be communicating exclusively through their phones, engrossed in their devices for the past ten minutes. It was difficult for him to gather any useful information.Although he knew his chances of success were slim, he couldn’t bring himself to give up entirely. Beomgyu decided to rest his head on the maknae’s shoulder and open his eyes just enough to discreetly glance at Kai's phone, hoping to catch a glimpse of the messages.However, unbeknownst to him, both Yeonjun and Kai were well aware of his intentions. The subtle movement of his head, though seemingly casual, had given him away. Yeonjun chose to remain silent, allowing Kai to handle the situation as he saw fit.Kai tried to suppress a small chuckle at Beomgyu’s antics and shifted his shoulder ever so slightly, creating an irresistible invitation for the older boy to follow. As Beomgyu leaned in closer, his head slipped off Kai's shoulder, causing his upper body to tumble into Kai's waiting arms.A sense of quiet panic settled over Beomgyu. He realized, with a sinking feeling, that his chance to see the phone screen had slipped away entirely.Kai leaned in closer, his breath warm and teasing against Beomgyu’s ear as he murmured in a soft, velvet tone. "Hyung, are you awake?"The simple question sent a surge of anxiety coursing through Beomgyu’s veins. Opening his eyes now would confirm Kai’s suspicion, so he resolved to maintain the facade of sleep, hoping Kai would dismiss his curiosity.But that hope shattered almost instantly. Beomgyu's breath hitched as he felt something warm and wet glide over the curve of his ear. Kai’s tongue trailed along the delicate skin, the sensation igniting an electric tension. The older boy bit down on his lip to suppress a gasp, his instincts screaming at him to pull away, yet his body refused to move.He hadn’t anticipated such a brazen act from Kai, especially in a situation where discovery could spell disaster. If any of the staff turned their heads, they’d both be caught in an instant.Yet, the maknae appeared utterly unfazed by the risk. He continued his audacious ministrations, dragging his tongue slowly and deliberately along Beomgyu’s ear, each movement eliciting subtle, involuntary responses.Beomgyu's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms as he fought to suppress any reaction. His cheeks flushed a deep pink, and his lips pressed tightly together in a desperate effort to stifle the betraying sounds threatening to escape.Kai observed Beomgyu’s reactions with quiet amusement, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly smile. So cute… he mused, finding Beomgyu’s helplessness utterly endearing.He decided to push further, letting his teeth graze the sensitive flesh, as if intending to bite. The effect was immediate, Beomgyu’s head jerked away, his ear now glistening, flushed crimson from Kai’s relentless teasing.The maknae closed the gap, catching the ear between his teeth for a gentle nibble that sent another shiver coursing through the elder’s body.As if that weren’t enough, Kai’s hand began to wander, sliding from Beomgyu’s side and trailing upward to his chest. His fingers found their target—a small, sensitive peak beneath the thin fabric. With a flick of his thumb, he elicited a muffled, breathy "Mm!" from Beomgyu, quiet enough to avoid drawing attention but loud enough to make Kai’s grin widen.Amid the swirling haze of sensation, a sly whisper cut through Beomgyu's mounting panic. "Hyung, if you don’t wake up soon, I might just put my tongue in your mouth."The older boy froze, horrified by the audacity of the suggestion. But Kai allowed no room for hesitation. Without warning, he tilted Beomgyu’s face toward him, capturing his lips in a firm, possessive kiss.One of his hand remained securely beneath Beomgyu, supporting his upper body with practiced ease, while his free hand cupped the other boy’s flushed cheek, preventing him from turning away.The onslaught of sensation left Beomgyu’s thoughts scrambled, his protests reduced to weak tugs on Kai’s shirt. Desperation flared as he tried to speak, but the moment his lips parted, Kai’s tongue slipped in, claiming the space with an intimacy that made Beomgyu’s chest tighten. He was rapidly losing air, teetering on the edge of suffocation.Fortunately, like a savior descending into the chaos, Yeonjun intervened, placing a hand on Kai’s shoulder. His tone was almost indifferent. "That’s enough. You’ll kill him."Though visibly disappointed, Kai obeyed, retreating with deliberate slowness. A thin string of saliva connected their parted lips, glistening under the dim light before it broke.Beomgyu’s face came into view—a mess of disheveled hair, swollen lips, and tear-brimmed eyes. The combination of vulnerability and allure was intoxicating, making Kai licked his lips with growing hunger.At that moment, a staff member thought she heard a faint sound from the back of the van. Curious, she turned her head, only to be greeted by an endearing sight—Kai gently cradling Beomgyu’s head on his thigh as if offering his hyung a more comfortable position to sleep. Her heart melted at the seemingly innocent display of care.
Aww... how adorable.
But not everyone saw it the same way. The manager, who had been on the verge of succumbing to exhaustion, snapped his eyes open at the staff's subtle movement. His gaze darted toward the back, and unlike her, he didn’t see an innocent moment between two members.The man's jaw clenched, his teeth pressing into his lower lip with such force he nearly drew blood. He knew something unspeakable had just unfolded. Yet, once again, he had failed to catch it in time.
DAMMIT!!!
The maknae caught the sharp glare from the manager, a fleeting but unmistakable challenge that sent a ripple of irritation through him. Though the man posed no real threat and his power to act was limited, it was undeniable that his constant presence was a nuisance.With the manager hovering like a shadow, Beomgyu would always remain on edge, making it harder for the group to exert their subtle influence over him.Kai understood that the situation demanded resolution. The manager’s role in their game had become an obstacle, one that could only end in two ways: cooperation or... removal.
Kai:
I know I said I wouldn’t murder our manager, but honestly, his constant observation is getting on my nerves.
Yeonjun:
So you’re saying you’re considering it now? I still don’t see how eliminating him would benefit us in the long run.
Taehyun:
Maybe the company will sweep it under the rug? It wouldn’t be their first time covering up scandals to protect the brand.
Soobin:
Even if the company stays quiet, his family won’t. There's no escaping that.
Kai’s gaze lingered on Beomgyu, who rested uneasily against his thighs, his fear evident in the tense lines of his face and the faint tremble in his body. The more his hyung displayed his fragility, the more Kai felt the insidious urge to break him—to unravel him piece by piece until there was nothing left but submission.He leaned down slightly and whispered, "Hyung... I love you." His fingers threaded through Beomgyu’s hair, the touch deceptively tender, masking the malice beneath.Love, within the confines of their warped dynamic, had been stripped of its purity. It was no longer about mutual care or respect. It had been distorted into a weapon—a method of domination, manipulation, and the obliteration of free will. Kai didn’t expect Beomgyu to reciprocate, nor did he care. Beomgyu’s desires, his agency, were insignificant in the face of their collective hunger for control.To love, in their context, was to claim ownership, to push boundaries until nothing of the original remained.In other words, 'I love you' was not an offering of devotion but a chilling declaration of intent: 'I want to destroy you, body and soul, and make you mine entirely.'If only the manager disappear… The thought lingered in Kai’s mind like a spark waiting to ignite.Then, as if struck by sudden revelation, his eyes widened, a flicker of realization lighting up his expression. His earlier conversation with Yeonjun, Soobin, and Taehyun replayed vividly in his mind. What once seemed like a fleeting, absurd idea now carried a curious weight.His lips curled into an enigmatic grin, one that hinted at the sinister understanding he had just unearthed. The so-called suggestion wasn’t as vague as it initially seemed—it was precise, intentional, and now, painfully clear.Meanwhile, on the middle row, Soobin’s eyes widened as well, but for an entirely different reason. A jolt of clarity struck him, uninvited and unrelenting, as if drawn there by some unseen force. The meaning behind their earlier conversation—the implications of that suggestion—now loomed like a shadow over him.His heart raced as he quickly turned his head toward Kai. The maknae’s dark grin greeted him, sharp and deliberate, sending a chill down his spine. Kai wasn’t just contemplating this suggestion; he was preparing to act on it!
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
During the ride back to the dorm, the atmosphere in the van was largely uneventful—at least on the surface. Not long ago, Kai had quietly overstepped boundaries with Beomgyu, all while the staff remained blissfully unaware.Now, the maknae had Beomgyu's head resting on his thighs, offering the older boy a makeshift pillow to ease his discomfort. Yeonjun contributed to the setup by propping both of Beomgyu's legs across his own lap. This arrangement created an undeniably luxurious resting position that practically invited sleep. The occasional gentle jolt of the van’s suspension only added to the drowsy atmosphere.But Beomgyu was determined not to succumb. His eyelids fluttered with the weight of exhaustion, yet he fought to stay awake. The reasons were as clear as day: he was flanked by two of his most perilous bandmates. Succumbing to unconsciousness here would leave him vulnerable to whatever schemes their twisted minds could concoct.Then again, if Yeonjun and Kai had truly intended to exploit the situation, they would have done so already. Someone was holding them back.Beomgyu shifted his gaze toward the front row of the van. There he was. The manager sat stiffly, his eyes narrowed and unblinking as they bore into the trio in the back. Though his attention occasionally shifted to the road ahead, it always snapped back, as if daring the duo to test his patience.The repeated scrutiny wasn’t lost on the staff, who exchanged confused looks as the manager’s head turned back and forth like a malfunctioning automaton. Though they found nothing out of the ordinary each time they looked, their silent judgment was palpable. Their respect for him—already tenuous—was eroding with every unnecessary glance.Beomgyu knew this precarious position was unsustainable. He tried to sit up, only to feel a firm hand press him back down.Kai’s enigmatic smile mirrored Yeonjun’s, a perfect blend of innocence and malice that sent a shiver down the other boy’s spine. "Relax, we’ll give you a massage. Sleep all you want."A silken shadow descended, eclipsing Beomgyu's vision as Kai's palm settled over his eyes. "Close your eyes." The maknae whispered.The gentle command was accompanied by Yeonjun's skilled hands, which began to massage Beomgyu's ankles and calves with a firm yet tender touch, applying just the right amount of pressure to ease the fatigue from his muscles. The eldest's touch was almost hypnotic, lulling Beomgyu into a state of deep relaxation. At this rate, he might have actually fallen asleep—if he weren’t painfully aware of what the two were plotting.He tentatively reached out to Kai, his hand brushing against the other boy's as he forced an awkward smile onto his face. "Er... thanks, but I'm not really sleepy.""Why not?" Yeonjun interjected smoothly, his hand sliding up to Beomgyu’s thighs. "I assure you, it's more enjoyable than you think."Before the other boy could respond, Yeonjun’s fingers ventured higher, brushing against the sensitive area between his thighs. He was, in no uncertain terms, massaging Beomgyu's testicles through the thin fabric of his trousers.Beomgyu’s legs instinctively jerked in protest, but the eldest member pinned one down by the inner knee and pushed it aside, exposing his crotch to view. With one hand keeping Beomgyu’s leg secured, the other resumed its torment, expertly kneading and teasing the round shapes beneath his cock. Occasionally, Yeonjun traced his fingers upward along the shaft to tease the younger boy before returning to the main area of focus.Beomgyu's breathing grew increasingly erratic as his hyung persisted, his grip on Kai's hand tightening in a futile attempt to alter the situation. The maknae merely smiled and offered words of reassurance. "Breathe in... breathe out. See? Isn't this relaxing? I know you're enjoying this."Meanwhile, Taehyun, anticipating the trio's antics might be discovered, rose from his seat and crouched down in the middle of the van, his back facing the staff as he rummaged through his backpack, feigning a search for something. His body effectively shielded the trio's misbehavior from view, ensuring that as long as Beomgyu stifled his moans, their secret would remain safe—except, of course, from the manager's prying eyes.When the man turned his head once more and spotted Taehyun blocking his view, his patience snapped. A barely contained fury propelled him forward, his form weaving through the crowded aisle, shoving Taehyun aside with an almost violent force.Unfortunately, by the time he managed to get a glimpse of the scene, Yeonjun and Kai had already ceased their activities, the scene now a tableau of feigned innocence.Chaos erupted in the aftermath, with a staff member urging the manager to return to his seat, a request he vehemently refused, insisting on sitting next to Beomgyu at all costs.Amid the commotion, the manager turned to Soobin, the one person he hoped would offer support or, at the very least, clarity. Yet the boy remained impassive, a sphinx of silence, even as the manager faced accusations of causing a needless rufus. He knew to expect treachery from a leader he’d deemed rotten, but to have trust so callously shattered was a wound far more profound than he had imagined.At least Beomgyu was by his side. The boy tried to defend the man with every plausible excuse he could muster while carefully avoiding any mention of the other four’s transgressions. Yet, the disparity between the lone voice of reason and the collective silence of the others was a cruel reminder of how uneven the battle truly was. A deep sadness settled in the manager’s chest, heavy and suffocating.It’s fine… at least someone still values fairness. He tried to convince himself. It’s all good. Stop overthinking…But his reassurances felt hollow, more like a mantra. In truth, he was trying to hypnotize himself, clinging to the illusion that he still had control over the situation, even as cracks in his composure widened.Paranoia seeped into his thoughts like a slow poison, making him question not only those around him but also his own actions. Was it his fault? Had he been too rigid, too idealistic in a world where fairness was reserved for those with power, money, and fame?To survive, he had only two options. Either assimilate into the very toxicity he despised or leave, taking his secrets with him and resigning himself to a lifetime of silence. There was no middle ground.He could walk away, leave this wretched company, and turn a blind eye to whatever happened to Beomgyu. It would be easy to abandon his principles and be selfish.But he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. Not when an innocent soul stood on the precipice of corruption, slowly being tainted by the darkness surrounding him.And even if he did expose the truth—what then? He would be praised as a whistleblower, the man who dared to unveil the industry’s filth. But what would come after that? The K-pop world would crumble. The system would collapse under the weight of its own disgrace. And in doing so, it would deal a devastating blow to the country’s global image, shaking the foundation of an empire built on illusion.To be a good person was to choose the hardest path. It meant enduring mistreatment, swallowing injustice, and suffering in silence for the sake of others.So if that was true—if sacrificing himself for the industry was the only way forward—did that mean this was his fault all along?He’d had enough. Did he still want to take Beomgyu with him? Absolutely. What about avoiding trouble with the other members? No, not anymore. He was done tiptoeing around their antics, done being a passive observer while they tore Beomgyu apart piece by piece.If it came down to it—if escaping meant wrecking this company to its foundation—he wouldn’t hesitate. The thought no longer scared him. Let the world crumble, let the truth spill out, let the consequences rain down. He didn’t give a fuck anymore. As long as he and Beomgyu could break free from this twisted hell, nothing else mattered.Among the people in the van, one pair of eyes stood out, piercing through the heavy tension like a blade. It was Kai. His gaze was unyielding, locked onto the manager with an intensity that bordered on unsettling. Yet, there was something disturbingly off about the way the maknae looked at him.Kai’s eyes, usually vibrant with mischief or warmth, now seemed void of life—widened in pure, eerie surprise. They were as dark as a black hole, swallowing any hint of light that dared to reflect off them.If anyone took a moment to dissect Kai’s enigmatic expression, they’d inevitably arrive at a question: What was he seeing?After all, the manager’s face showed nothing particularly unusual. Which left one feasible possibility: Kai wasn’t reacting to what was visible; he was responding to something unseen, something intangible.It wasn’t a hunch or an observation. Somehow, impossibly, Kai had discerned the manager’s innermost thoughts. His future plans—the ones he hadn’t spoken aloud, hadn’t shared with anyone, not even Beomgyu.In other words, the maknae had read his mind....Once everyone finally returned to the dorm, the manager wasted no time pulling Beomgyu aside for a private conversation. His grip on the boy’s arm wasn’t forceful, but there was a silent urgency that caught the attention of the staff. Though their brows furrowed with suspicion, they refrained from intervening—so long as he didn’t cross any outrageous lines, they’d let it slide.Meanwhile, the other members busied themselves unloading bags and packages, the mundane task offering a brief reprieve from the tension that had lingered since the van ride. It was Kai who shattered the peaceful silence in the room with a shocking report. "Our manager’s planning to pack up and leave as soon as possible. And yes, he’s taking Beomgyu with him."The announcement hit like a bolt of lightning, leaving the trio momentarily stunned. There was no way the manager would openly confess such plans to Kai of all people—the very embodiment of chaos within their group.Taehyun was the first to recover, and replied with a sarcastic edge. "What’s this? Did you read his mind or something?"He expected a lighthearted response, maybe a joke in return. Instead, Kai’s reply came almost instantly, the weight of its seriousness chilling. "Yes, I saw his inner thoughts earlier."The room fell deathly silent. The trio stopped whatever they were doing and turned their full attention to the maknae. For a brief moment, Kai expected a barrage of questions—demands for clarification, skepticism, or at the very least, some kind of reaction that acknowledged the sheer absurdity of his claim.But to his surprise, they didn’t bombard him with inquiries. Instead, they turned to each other, their expressions softening from confusion to an almost ominous nonchalance.With an air of practiced ease, Yeonjun brushed a faint layer of dust off his pants, then laced his fingers together and straightened his arms, his knuckles cracking audibly in the process. The casual gesture spoke volumes—he wasn’t remotely fazed."Alright," he said calmly, as if they were discussing dinner plans. "Let’s get this over with. How do you want to get rid of him?"Taehyun let out a low chuckle, leaning back slightly with his arms crossed. "I’m all for it, but let’s keep it simple, yeah? If this involves a ten-step plan or some elaborate scheme, count me out."The most surprising reaction came from Soobin. The leader, typically the voice of reason and restraint, merely scratched his head, his expression one of mild concern rather than outright alarm. "I guess it’s fine as long as there’s no bloodshed."It seemed that after everything they’d endured—events that most would label as paranormal or outright impossible—TXT had grown numb to the extraordinary. If Kai said he had read the manager’s mind, then it was simply the truth. No further explanation was needed. The absurd had become their new normal, and with that realization came a chilling sense of unity."Is that how you were able to find out about Soobin’s discreet masturbation?" Yeonjun’s sly question made the leader visibly flinch, resisting the urge to smack the older boy for dredging up such an embarrassing memory."I guess so," Kai replied casually.Taehyun leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Does that mean you can read minds at will? Or are there limitations, like Yeonjun’s so-called predictions?"Kai placed two fingers to his chin thoughtfully. "It seems there’s a specific condition that triggers it. I can’t read your mind right now, for example. Maybe, like Yeonjun’s ability, this power only activates randomly.""Wait a minute," Taehyun’s eyes lit up as an idea sparked in his mind. "If each of us somehow possesses a distinct ability with limitations, then what’s mine? What about Soobin’s?"Yeonjun rolled his eyes. "Why do you look so excited about this? These are curses, not blessings. Any exchange with the devil comes with a price."He paused mid-sentence, his expression shifting as if a troubling realization had dawned on him. After a moment, he continued. "Perhaps we’ve made a deal with the devil without even knowing it. And now, whatever this thing is, it’s helping us in exchange for something. Just a theory."Kai groaned, rubbing his temples as if an unbearable weight pressed down on him. "Arghh… my head hurts. This topic is way too much for me."Lucky for him, the eldest wasn’t willing to waste time on a conversation that veered into redundancy, so he steered the discussion back to Kai with a sharp, measured tone. "What exactly do you plan to do now that you know the manager plans to leave the company with Beomgyu?"Kai scoffed, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Is that even a real question? As if we’d ever let Beomgyu slip away that easily. If going along with that bloody suggestion is the best way to keep him with us, then that’s what I’ll do."Soobin’s gaze fixed on Kai. His lips parted briefly, as though he were on the verge of saying something, but the words faltered before reaching the surface. In the end, he opted for silence, observing quietly as the youngest member laid out his intentions with unnerving confidence.However, Kai didn't have the chance to elaborate further on his plan when he suddenly flinched, his words cutting off as his attention shifted to the door. The others were left in suspense, unsure of what had caused the sudden shift in the maknae’s demeanor. Before they could ask, the door creaked open, revealing Beomgyu standing in the threshold. His hands were full, grasping a large bundle of belongings, leaving him to nudge the door open with his foot.Beomgyu’s eyes briefly met those of the other members, but he quickly looked away, his lips pressing into a tight line. He hesitated at the threshold, as though the familiar space of their dorm had somehow grown suffocating.He then moved quickly, disappearing into one of the rooms, and it was only after he was out of sight that Yeonjun edged closer to Kai. "Do you think he heard everything?"The maknae shook his head. "I doubt it. I sensed his presence before he came close. Curse or not, these abilities sure come in handy when we need them."Just then, Taehyun, who had been quietly observing, stood up and made his way to the door Beomgyu had just passed through. "I’ll go help him with his things."Before he could take another step, Kai’s hand shot out, gripping Taehyun’s shirt and pulling him back with surprising force. His eyes glinted with silent discontent. "Hyung, don’t forget. It’s my turn now."The other gave a sly grin, unfazed. "Don’t worry, I’m just gonna help Beomgyu and, if possible, have a little chat with him."Kai’s grip on Taehyun’s shirt loosened, though his wariness was evident. "If I hear a scream from Beomgyu, you’re dead. Doesn’t matter if you are older or not.""Alright, alright." Taehyun chuckled, brushing off the threat. With a dismissive wave, he continued toward the door.Meanwhile, Kai turned back to the other two, settling into a more serious tone as he discussed his next steps. "Instead of going straight for something drastic like killing, we’ll use the manager’s poor reputation against him. It’s better to spread false accusations. Once the public catches wind, the company will buckle under pressure and the higher-ups will be forced to remove him."Yeonjun nodded, jotting down notes where necessary, his mind clearly processing the plan. Soobin, on the other hand, remained silent, his gaze fixed on Kai with a peculiar stillness. It was as though the leader had already anticipated the maknae’s plan from the very beginning—or perhaps… he knew there was more to it than what Kai was revealing. Because while Kai’s plan was a calculated move to force the manager’s removal, it felt like everything was merely a shadow of something far more sinister....The manager was already aware. He knew full well that TXT would attempt to dismantle his reputation, cleverly orchestrating his downfall without resorting to physical means. They would twist narratives, amplify his flaws, and ensure his credibility eroded both within the company and among the public.There was no doubt the company would prioritize their prized idols—talented yet deceitful—over a strict but principled manager like himself. The odds were stacked against him, and he wasn’t going to sit idly by and let them execute their plan.He had no intention of waiting until the company’s trust in him eroded completely. His mind was already made up—he would leave, quietly and swiftly. If possible, tonight. Tomorrow at the latest.When he spoke to Beomgyu privately about his intentions, to his surprise, the boy didn’t hesitate to choose tomorrow as the date. Perhaps Beomgyu needed more time to fully process the situation, or perhaps... he was wrestling with his own inner conflict, torn between escaping this living hell and staying for reasons even he couldn’t articulate.Later that morning, the manager stumbled upon a video thumbnail that immediately caught his eye. It was from one of those notorious online channels that thrived on sensationalizing idol industry gossip. The title was particularly damning: The Manager: A Hidden Threat to TXT’s Future. This sentence sent a prickle of unease down his spine."I knew it," he muttered, clicking on the video with a mixture of dread and irritation.The video began in the usual frustrating fashion, with an artificial voice narrating a long-winded preamble filled with unnecessary details. The robotic tone droned on about generic background information—who was involved, where it supposedly happened, the broader context of the idol industry. It was a tired formula designed to stretch the video to the five-minute mark for monetization, and it grated on his nerves.Three agonizing minutes passed before the video finally reached its so-called 'main point,' only to deliver an anticlimactic revelation: the supposed scandal surrounding him boiled down to his 'unusual gaze' toward the members of TXT."That’s it?" he scoffed.Five minutes wasted on baseless, exaggerated nonsense. These channels had a knack for crafting scandals out of thin air, their clickbait content preying on the gullibility of fans and the insatiable hunger for drama. They’d scrutinize the most trivial actions of idols and those around them, warping reality to drive engagement.Cowards. They hid behind anonymity, unwilling to show their faces or take responsibility for the chaos they created.During moments of overwhelming stress, people often sought a pillar of solace—someone they could trust to bear the weight of their troubles. For the manager, that person was, without question, Beomgyu.He immediately dialed the boy’s number, intending to talk over the phone. Yet, as the ringtone echoed through his ear, his patience stretched thin. The call went unanswered.A bad sign.Tension coiled in his gut as he grabbed his coat and made his way to the dorm, each step laced with growing unease. Upon pushing the door open, his gaze landed on an all-too-familiar scene: Yeonjun, Soobin, and Taehyun sat on the messy floor, engrossed in some kind of bingo game. The disarray itself was unsurprising—these three treated order like a foreign concept.Taehyun, seated in a position where he didn’t even need to turn around to acknowledge the visitor, spoke up first. "Do you need something?"The manager's gaze swept the room before he replied with a question. "Where are the other two?""Shopping," Yeonjun answered casually, marking his bingo card without bothering to turn around. "Might take a while."The manager’s expression darkened instantly. His teeth clenched, a sharp bite of frustration coursing through him. Why had Beomgyu gone out with another member despite his explicit warning? Was he careless enough to believe it was just a simple shopping errand? He should have known better!His voice turned sharp. "Where are they now?"Yeonjun merely shrugged. "No clue. The mall’s big. They could be anywhere."The manager’s patience snapped. His voice dropped into a dangerous register, each word emphasized with barely restrained anger. "WHERE. ARE. THEY?"Still engrossed in the game, Taehyun responded with the same maddening nonchalance. "Calm down. If you’re that desperate, just call Beomgyu."Of course, he had intentionally suggested Beomgyu. The manager would surely call that boy over the cunning maknae, knowing Beomgyu’s tendency to answer truthfully—well, only when he CHOSE to tell the truth.Without another word, the manager pulled out his phone and dialed again, even ignoring the way Soobin continued to feign ignorance, pretending the man wasn’t even in the room. He didn’t have time for their antics. Beomgyu had better pick up this time.On the other side, Beomgyu’s phone vibrated aggressively inside his bag, as if demanding to be answered. But its owner was in no position to comply.Beomgyu and Kai were in what appeared to be a cramped changing room. The older member leaned heavily against the cool, smooth surface of the wall, his breath shallow and quick, his face a shade of crimson that mirrored his inner turmoil.The phone buzzed again, and the sight of the manager’s name flashing across the screen only deepened his humiliation. He couldn’t bring himself to reach for it, knowing what the consequences of picking up might be.At a much lower height, Kai crouched with one knee against the floor. His gaze flickered upward, drinking in the sight of Beomgyu’s flustered expression with quiet amusement.Kai ran his tongue along the corner of his mouth, collecting the remnants of a strange white liquid. A smirk tugged at his lips as he whispered seductively. "Hyung, aren’t you gonna answer? It seems our manager is getting a little impatient."...Beomgyu had no idea what he was doing—why he had gone shopping in the first place. He had sworn not to fall for his bandmates’ tricks again, convinced that any further interaction with them would only taint his mind.He knew that. And yet…When Taehyun had stepped into his room, speaking to him in that steady, composed voice, something inside him shifted. It was subtle at first, a mere crack in his resolve, but with each word the younger uttered, the fracture deepened.Some might believe that sheer willpower was enough to resist manipulation. But with Taehyun, it was different. It felt as though the younger boy was guiding him along an invisible thread, pulling him step by step toward the inevitable.That feeling crept in again—the one that made Beomgyu instinctively want to listen, to trust, to follow. Just like the time Taehyun had so casually told him that hooking up with friends was normal. No matter how absurd the notion, Beomgyu had accepted it without question, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.It almost felt supernatural, the way Taehyun’s words wrapped around him, like strings tied to his limbs, dictating his every move."Will you be obedient and stay here with us?" Taehyun’s voice flowed like silk, its softness somehow sharpened by an underlying command that couldn’t be ignored.Beomgyu felt detached from the vessel of his own body. The slow, jerking nod of his head seemed alien—a movement not his own, marionette-like in its rigidity.The maknae stepped closer, cupping Beomgyu’s face between his hands, his thumbs brushing lightly over his hyung’s skin."Good boy," he murmured, before pressing a soft kiss to Beomgyu’s forehead.The other boy didn’t react. His eyes were empty, lifeless—like a mannequin waiting to be posed.When they both returned to the living room, Beomgyu casually invited Kai out for a bit of shopping. The unexpected proposal sent a ripple of shock through the other members, their eyes widening in disbelief. However, when their gazes flickered toward Taehyun and caught the mischievous wink he tossed their way, the realization dawned.This squirrel had definitely done something to Beomgyu.A closer inspection of the boy only confirmed their suspicion. His usual bright, expressive eyes now appeared dull, vacant, stripped of their characteristic warmth. Whatever had just transpired, it was clear Beomgyu hadn’t made this decision of his own volition.The moment the front door clicked shut behind the departing duo, Yeonjun wasted no time crossing his arms and leveling Taehyun with a scrutinizing stare. "How did you convince him?"Taehyun scratched the back of his neck with a casual shrug. "What part of his face says 'convinced'? It’s more like… well, control.""Alright," Yeonjun accepted the answer without hesitation. "Makes sense. Congratulations on discovering your ability, curse, or whatever you want to call it.""Thanks," Taehyun chuckled. "Actually, I’ve had it for a few days, but I only realized it now through testing."From what he could infer, his ability granted him control over others through mere words. However, it was far from absolute—it seemed to have a time limitation and activated unpredictably, meaning not everything he said held power over his targets.A thought crossed their minds simultaneously, and both turned toward Soobin, who had been silently observing their exchange. He was the only one among them yet to exhibit any sign of a curse. He either hadn’t discovered it yet, or… he was deliberately keeping it hidden.They posed the question directly. Soobin’s response was immediate—he had no idea. With no evidence to suggest otherwise, they leaned toward the first conclusion.To pass the time, they started a bingo game. At first, Soobin was fully engaged, responding with his usual enthusiasm. However, as the minutes stretched into nearly half an hour, something changed.He went from sitting cross-legged to pressing his knees together, his fingers subtly gripping the hem of his shirt. Yeonjun and Taehyun exchanged glances, both noticing the sudden flush creeping up Soobin’s face. They had no idea what was wrong, but one thing was certain—Soobin kept gulping, his Adam’s apple bobbing at an oddly frequent pace.When he finally spoke, his voice carried a strange, breathy quality. "I’m… fine." He then pressed his lips together before swallowing again.Taehyun furrowed his brows. "Stop being all mysterious and just spit it out. It’s not like we’re new to all this paranormal crap."He had a point. At this stage, they had all come to terms with the unnatural. But…"This is… quite different, I must say," Soobin muttered, his voice slightly garbled as saliva began trickling from the corner of his mouth, despite how little he had spoken.Yeonjun let out a sigh. "You seem to have an idea of what’s happening to you. Care to explain?"Soobin gave a small nod, covering his mouth with his hand. "I will. But first, can you grab me some tissues?"The request wasn’t surprising. He could barely get a word out without drooling uncontrollably. They promptly handed him an entire box, watching as he pressed a handful of tissues to his lips before finally speaking."…I’ve been hiding my curse." His tone was sheepish, his ears tinted with a faint blush. "Because, well… it’s the weirdest one."Soobin had already resigned himself to the fact that he’d get caught eventually, and the moment Kai left with Beomgyu, he knew his time was up. It was only a matter of when.There was an undeniable fact that the bond between him and Kai had always run deeper than with the others, forged long before their debut. It was an unspoken connection, one that had felt almost instinctual. But now, that connection was no longer metaphorical. It had become tangible, literal.Whatever Kai knew, Soobin knew. Whatever Kai felt, Soobin felt. He could sense the younger boy’s presence even from meters away, as if they were tethered by an invisible thread. This was no ordinary connection—it was a curse.Soobin wasn’t sure what to call it. It wasn’t telepathy, not in the conventional sense. His connection was exclusive to Kai, and it appeared to be one-sided.While explaining, his voice suddenly froze mid-sentence, as if the words had caught in his throat. Yeonjun and Taehyun reached out to pat his back, asking if he had choked on his saliva.But Soobin shook his head, his eyes still wide and unfocused. Then, in a breathless murmur, he said, "Beomgyu came…"The duo tilted their heads in confusion, but the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside interrupted their thoughts. They immediately scrambled back into their original positions, masking their previous conversation.The door burst open, and the manager stormed in, his expression riddled with alarm. His eyes darted around the room as if searching for something—or someone. After a useless exchange, he pulled out his phone and made several calls, each unanswered ring seemed to worsen his anxiety.At last, on what must have been his final attempt, he cursed under his breath and stormed out without sparing the trio another word.As the door slammed shut, Yeonjun and Taehyun exhaled in relief. The fact that the manager hadn't interrogated Soobin was a stroke of luck; otherwise, things might have turned troublesome.When they turned to look at Soobin, his hands were clenched tightly against the floor, his head bowed low, teeth sinking into his lower lip. The way his body tensed—there was no mistaking it.He was aroused.From what the duo understood, Soobin and Kai had, in essence, become one. Though the connection was one-sided, their consciousness and sensations were shared. Whatever Kai experienced, Soobin felt.Which meant… if the leader was this pent up, then Kai was undoubtedly engaging in some sort of intimate act with Beomgyu at this very moment. And judging by the intensity of Soobin's visceral response, it likely involved Kai’s mouth.Rather than finding the revelation unsettling, the duo only felt envious. They wished they could swap curses with the leader.A sudden cognitive dissonance struck them. Soobin's curse presented a curious anomaly."Strange," Yeonjun mused, his gaze settling on the leader with quiet scrutiny. "Aren’t these abilities supposed to manifest randomly and with a specific purpose? Why is yours lingering like this?" Taehyun turned to the leader, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Hey, how long have you had this connection with Kai?" Despite his visible struggle against the heat pooling in his body, Soobin managed a strained response. "It first came to me early this morning. I noticed Kai’s presence while I was in the restroom. It faded after a while but reappeared when we were in the van. It’s been active ever since."The duo exchanged glances. Unlike the other abilities, which flickered in and out with clear intent, Soobin’s remained persistent—far longer than necessary. But why? Before they could formulate a hypothesis, Soobin's predicament took a dramatic turn. He crumpled forward, his hands splaying against the floor in a desperate attempt to brace himself. He gasped for air, his breaths ragged and shallow. Through gritted teeth, a barely audible hiss escaped him. "I… I need to use the bathroom. I can't take this anymore."Yeonjun and Taehyun barely batted an eye. "Yeah, sure. Go ahead."Without wasting another second, Soobin shot up and rushed to the bathroom, the door slamming shut behind him with a sharp click. The duo merely shook their heads, already well-versed in deciphering Soobin’s reactions."I bet Kai's jerking off right now," Yeonjun remarked, his tone devoid of surprise."Or better," Taehyun smirked. "He’s got Beomgyu doing it for him."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A disorienting haze clung to Beomgyu's mind, fragmented images flickering like a broken reel, severing his connection to reality. He retained a faint awareness of having accompanied Kai on a brief shopping excursion that ended at a clothing boutique. Subsequent details were hazy. He vaguely remembered Kai's animated chatter, while he himself had only offered perfunctory nods and vacant responses.Then, clarity returned abruptly, along with a sharp sensation in his lower abdomen. He gasped, his hands flying to his mouth as he tried to gather himself and take in his surroundings.He found himself with Kai, within the confines of what appeared to be a standard changing room. Beomgyu swore he couldn't recall how he'd arrived here, particularly in THIS compromising position.His back was flush against the cool wall, his torso bare. But that wasn't the most shocking part.He could feel the cool air embrace his legs with unwelcome intimacy, as if they were offered for public display. When he dared to look down, mortification washed over him in a scalding wave.His trousers were gone, replaced by something entirely different—miniskirt, a minuscule scrap of fabric that barely deserved the name. Its scandalous length offered scant coverage, revealing far too much of the territory beneath. Worse, there was nothing beneath it, leaving Beomgyu's flesh utterly exposed and displayed for Kai's viewing.The maknae knelt before him, his face buried between Beomgyu's legs. More precisely, he was actively engaged in fellatio.The questions swirled in Beomgyu's mind like a tempest, yet he knew any inquiry directed toward the maknae would be pointless.Sensing his hyung's return to consciousness, Kai paused momentarily, glancing up to offer a casual greeting before resuming his ministrations. His hands framed Beomgyu's hips, anchoring him in place, while Kai’s lips and tongue worked in concert, tantalizing the older boy toward the precipice of climax."Stop!" Beomgyu blurted, his voice raised perhaps a decibel too high, and pushed Kai's head away. The now-slick erection slid from the maknae's mouth with a soft, wet sound, leaving trails of saliva clinging to its length.Time seemed to still, punctuated only by the ragged rhythm of their breathing. Beomgyu struggled to regulate his respiration, while Kai feigned similar efforts, his expressive gaze designed to provoke a visceral reaction in Beomgyu—lips glistening, eyes half-lidded, cheeks flushed crimson, an invitation rendered in visual form."Aw, come on. I was just getting to the good part," he complained, lips pursed in a pout.Beomgyu shook his head vehemently. "No, get out!""But aren't you aroused? Would it be alright to just leave it like that?" The maknae's gaze lingered on Beomgyu's engorged flesh.Beomgyu bit back a curse, his hands moving to Kai's shoulders, attempting to push him away, but the maknae’s grip tightened. "Let go! Get away from me!"His voice rose in pitch, prompting Kai to offer a calm rejoinder. "Are you trying to get us caught?"His words acted as an immediate catalyst, freezing Beomgyu's struggles mid-motion.Kai chuckled softly, standing to meet Beomgyu's gaze and lowering his tone to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know you didn't stop out of concern for our safety. The first thing that popped into your mind was the scandal that could surround you, given you're the only one that's sane in this group."As he spoke, his hand slid along Beomgyu's curved spine, his touch sending shivers down the older boy's back. "Though I'm not sure if you're truly innocent anymore. After all..."Kai leaned in, his breath ghosting across Beomgyu's lips as he finished, "...our fates are already intertwined, you can't escape no matter how hard you try. It's better to accept it, hyung."With that, he sealed the words with a kiss, backing his hyung against the wall and effectively stifling any further protest.He pried Beomgyu’s lips apart and thrust his tongue inside, exploring every crevice and contour. Beomgyu could taste the lingering semen on Kai’s tongue—a flavor that was salty, subtly bitter, and overwhelmingly unpleasant.Beomgyu's thoughts became a jumbled morass. It hadn't even been a week since his bandmates began exhibiting their disturbing predilections, and he already felt utterly drained. It felt like his body had become an object of near-constant exploitation, his stamina depleted with each lascivious encounter. He had barely recovered from Soobin's morning transgression, and now he found himself grappling with Kai's insatiable desires.Was Beomgyu any different from those prostitutes on the street?Worse, he felt his own sanity slipping away the more he was around the other members, as if they possessed some paranormal influence.Just as it seemed like Beomgyu was about to surrender, a female voice pierced the air, shattering the fragile, intimate atmosphere. "Excuse me, are you two perhaps having trouble with the clothes?" The sound of the shop assistant's voice was like a splash of cold water, jolting Beomgyu back to reality.They broke apart, turning towards the vague silhouette beyond the draped fabric. Beomgyu's head snapped toward Kai, his eyes silently demanding an answer: how long had they been in there?The maknae seemed to anticipate the unspoken question. "I didn't check the time. Maybe ten minutes?" A sly smirk twisted his lips as he pressed his body closer to Beomgyu. "What are we gonna do now? If she comes in, we're doomed."A thread of panic laced Beomgyu's voice, "Can't you respond?!"The answer was languid, almost indolent. "Don't wanna."With that, Kai pressed his lips to Beomgyu's neck, kissing and sucking on the sensitive skin. Beomgyu's eyes widened in horror, belatedly realizing that Kai had zero intention of resolving the situation he’d instigated."Mr. Choi Beomgyu? Is there something wrong?" The woman's voice echoed again, prompting Beomgyu to think fast."N-Nothing! I'm just admiring the clothes' fashionable design, sorry to take too long." He struggled to maintain his equanimity.The woman's tone brightened perceptibly. "Oh! It's quite alright. Take all the time you need. If both of you need any assistance, just call me or the other shop staff. Is that okay for you?""Yes, that would be grea—Ngh!" Beomgyu hadn't anticipated Kai's audacity.The sensation of teeth sinking into skin, tearing at the delicate layers, sent a jolt of sharp pain through his body. Beomgyu's eyes clenched shut, his teeth gritted in a futile attempt to stifle the involuntary sound. It was a miracle he hadn’t outright screamed.When Kai finally drew back, Beomgyu was confronted with a face of pure, unadulterated satisfaction, made all the more unsettling by the faint smear of blood at the corner of his mouth."You—!" Beomgyu hissed, his patience frayed to the breaking point. He wasn't one for harsh language, but Kai had undeniably overstepped his boundaries.The woman’s concerned voice made him flinch. "May I ask what happened in there?"Beomgyu’s reply was immediate. "Nothing at all, could we have a moment?""O-Oh, right! Excuse me." The shop assistant bowed then walked away, granting them a modicum of privacy.Kai seemed proud of his hyung. "Good job not getting us caught there."As soon as he finished, Beomgyu lunged forward, his fingers closing around the younger boy's collar in a viselike grip, his face contorted with a barely suppressed rage. "Do you have any idea how close that was?! Our whole career could have crumbled with just one pull of that curtain!"There was a second of silence on the maknae’s side before a contented, almost perverse smile spread across his face. "Are you suggesting that you wouldn’t mind if I did it in more discreet places? Just tell me about your preferences, I’m not really picky."Beomgyu wanted to yell back, but was cut off by Kai’s next words. "More importantly, aren’t you being quite a pushover?"The older boy froze. "What?""I find it ironic how it seemed you wanted to get out of this hell of a company, to get away from us, yet at the same time, you never leave, almost like you’re hesitant." He paused to observe Beomgyu’s expression, then continued. "You have an ally who’s ready to help you, but strangely, you still stay with us so that he gets anger issues every time. It makes me wonder…"Kai leaned in close to the older boy’s ear as he spoke. "Aren't you also contributing to his downfall?""….."This time, Beomgyu didn’t talk back, instead, he stared at Kai with eyes wide with horror, thinking back to all of his actions days ago.His indecisiveness had put him in so many situations where he got exploited and manipulated. And worse, the manager got involved with the hope of saving him, while in truth, Beomgyu was the one initiating the troubles.Didn’t that mean he loved troubles?Taking advantage of Beomgyu’s hazy state, Kai gently got the boy’s hands off his collar, then slowly pushed Beomgyu back so that his back pressed against the smooth wall once more.The maknae lowered himself, kneeling on one knee so that Beomgyu's erection was directly in his line of sight.Kai spoke up soothingly. "If the manager knew about this disgusting side of yours, I wonder how he would react; definitely not positively. On the contrary…" He gave the cock tip a teasing lick. "I assure you, the other members and I will always love you, no matter how rotten you are, hyung."With that, he leaned forward, engulfing the length of Beomgyu's erection in his mouth. Of course, it was Kai’s first time giving a blowjob, so he wasn’t going to be a pro; however, he knew to use that against Beomgyu.He deliberately triggered a gag reflex, prolonging the act past the point of comfort, causing Beomgyu to panic and push him away.As expected, Beomgyu's anger was replaced with deep worry. "Are you alright?! Don't push yourself!"Kai shook his head, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, feigning a look of vulnerability. "Let me try again. I can do it.""But—"The maknae was determined. "Hyung, I love you and want to assist you in finding release." And he didn’t forget the effective puppy eyes. "Please?"That vulnerable facade struck precisely at Beomgyu's weakness, disarming him completely. He was uncertain if this was kindness or pure stupidity, because he kept falling for these simple tricks."... Okay..."That one word was enough to magically transform the situation from "potential assault" to "consensual encounter." After that, the sounds of slick friction filled the confined space of the changing room, growing louder with each deliberate pump of Kai's head."Can you... uh... make it quieter?" Beomgyu murmured through ragged breaths.Perhaps he didn't realize it, but his perspective on these shameful activities had undergone a seismic shift, exemplified by his primary concern being the noise rather than their blatant act.Kai was acutely aware of the subtle alteration. "Sure, though you'll have to cooperate by keeping your voice down."No sooner than the sentence left his lips, Kai switched to manual stimulation, one hand cradling the weighty orbs below, the other encasing the sensitive tip, massaging it with rapidly increasing speed. This method ensured that most of the telltale sounds were effectively muted.The delicate layers of skin were repeatedly drawn back and forth, intensifying the stimulation of the seminal vesicles. Tiny capillaries began to spiderweb beneath the surface, a visible testament to the escalating demands of the flesh.What surprised Kai was the fact that, despite teetering on the precipice of climax, Beomgyu maintained a remarkable level of vocal restraint. Perhaps the elder member had attained a degree of acceptance regarding these sexual encounters, and had developed a form of endurance.A promising sign for future obedience training.Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of perverse satisfaction at the sheer power he now held over Beomgyu. If his mere touch could elicit such tremors and arousal in Beomgyu, he could only imagine the heights of ecstasy that toys could achieve. It would be a sight to behold.Time, however, was a finite resource within the confines of this changing room. Knowing this, Kai intensified the rhythm of his ministries. The hand that had previously coaxed and kneaded Beomgyu's testicles now devoted its attention to the rosy glans. His palm pressed against the sensitive flesh, grinding with a tempo that bordered on frantic. Simultaneously, the other hand mapped the length of Beomgyu's rigid erection, both working in concert to expedite the older boy's impending climax.The older boy bit down hard on his lower lip, a sign he was close to orgasm, warning Kai with a strained voice. "S-Stay a little further back. I don't want it... on your face."The younger male simply shook his head, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes. "It's alright. You can come freely."A blush crept up Beomgyu's neck, mortification warring with arousal. "Kai, I'm serious. Move."Kai's reply was a slow, suggestive grin, followed by the opening of his mouth directly in front of the throbbing glans, all the while stroking faster and harder.Beomgyu could only relinquish control, surrendering to the inexorable pull of the approaching orgasm. His muscles coiled, his back arched in an involuntary display of raw physicality as a thick, viscous jet of seminal fluid erupted from the abused member. Kai put his palm away, and the semen splashed on his waiting mouth, some dribbling down the corner of his mouth. Without hesitation, Kai savored the offering, his actions a blatant disregard for the polished facade of their idol personas.In the aftermath, Beomgyu struggled to regulate his ragged breathing. Suddenly, a vibration pierced the air, emanating from his unzipped bag at the corner of the room. The screen illuminated, displaying the manager's name in stark, unwelcome clarity, exacerbating his already heightened anxiety. He waited for the incessant buzzing to cease, but as soon as it did, the screen flashed again with another call.Kai languidly ran his tongue along the corner of his mouth, savoring the lingering taste of Beomgyu's essence. A smirk played on his lips as he purred, his voice a seductive rasp. "Hyung, aren't you gonna answer? It seems our manager is getting a little impatient."Beomgyu swallowed hard, attempting to regain his composure. "We should hurry back."But Kai wasn't finished. In a swift motion, he pulled Beomgyu down, forcing his palms and knees to brace against the cold floor. The maknae moved behind him, kneeling so that his groin aligned perfectly with the height of Beomgyu’s exposed posterior.A look of pure, unadulterated satisfaction spread across Kai's face as his hands found purchase on the sides of Beomgyu’s flimsy miniskirt. "We can go... after you finish your job."The imposed position ignited a flare of panic within the older boy. "Wait wait wait! We can't do this!"In contrast to Beomgyu’s mounting panic, Kai was quick to offer a distorted clarification. "Haha, what lurid fantasies are playing out in your mind? I'm just gonna grind my cock against your asscheeks, no penetration, I promise.""But—""Time's ticking, hyung. We can't linger here forever.""….."All resistance seemed to evaporate, leaving Beomgyu mute and compliant, like an obedient dog awaiting his master's command.However, this passive acceptance wasn't enough for Kai."This won't do," The younger boy murmured, apparently still unsatisfied with the arrangement. He opted for a more visceral change. "Lay prone on the floor, keep your hips high."It was more command than request. As soon as the words were spoken, Kai placed a hand on Beomgyu’s back, pressing him down until his face was flush against the cold floor, positioned lower than the tempting arch of his hips. The position triggered a disconcerting, unwelcome wave of reminiscence within Beomgyu.Why does this feel so... familiar… Beomgyu's mind whispered, yet the cascade of humiliation was so engulfed that the nascent thought was brutally suppressed.Kai held back the primal urge to slap the plump cheeks presented to his view, acutely aware that any audible sound might betray their clandestine activity to the shop's staff. Instead, he contented himself with squeezing the fleshy globes with enough pressure to leave an ephemeral mark on the smooth skin.With a hurried, almost violent motion, the younger boy unbuttoned his trousers, his throbbing cock springing free from confinement, pulsating with a life of its own—a testament to his burgeoning desire. Kai’s impatience was apparent as he pressed his erection between Beomgyu’s asscheeks, rubbing with a fervent, almost desperate rhythm.The miniskirt played a crucial role in increasing the friction on the sensitive tip. Kai wrapped the glans in the soft material, then rocked his hips with an increasingly frenzied momentum, his movements so powerful that Beomgyu was forced to press his body firmly against the floor, desperately anchoring himself against Kai's relentless assault."Hah hah… ah fuck! Hyung…!"Despite being the one demanding silence, Kai was losing himself in the moment, his moans rising in pitch with every thrust, abandoning any pretense of discretion. Were one to be standing adjacent to the changing room, they would undoubtedly overhear the torrent of lustful utterances.But Beomgyu wasn’t in any better position to think rationally. Kai’s insatiable desire was taking hold, making his body grow hotter despite his recent climax. His mind was full of alternative expectations where Kai’s hard cock accidentally penetrated the ring of his anus and rocked his very core. The thought was both terrifying and sickeningly desirable.Meanwhile, in a different location, Soobin could be found releasing his pent-up lust in the bathroom, perched precariously on the toilet seat. He lifted his shirt up and bit down on the hem, using the material to help cope with the building need, his hands rubbing his throbbing length with feverish intensity. However, it seemed that with each passing stroke, he grew more aroused, and the self-administered touch did almost nothing to satiate his desire.Could it be that he had to wait until Kai reached his climax? Still, Soobin sensed that he was getting close.Back in the confines of the changing room, Kai's relentless assault caused Beomgyu's hips to buck involuntarily. Sensing his hyung’s loss of control, Kai leaned forward, planting one hand on the floor for support while the other snaked around Beomgyu's waist, pressing their bodies together in a desperate embrace, the rhythmic rocking unwavering.Soon, Beomgyu felt his ass slick with a layer of viscous fluid, Kai's precum coating his sphincter, trickling down his perineum and dripping onto the pristine floor.Even in this increasingly frenetic situation, Kai still found the energy to voice a teasing jest. "If… If I were to breach your virgin hole, we'll be caught immediately. I doubt you could stay quiet in such a scenario."Under normal circumstances, Beomgyu would have vehemently rebuked such a statement, but now he remained silent, neither agreeing nor denying it, likely lost within the intoxicating labyrinth of his own ecstasy.Kai then straightened his back, shifting his hands to cup Beomgyu's plump cheeks, pressing the sensitive flesh flush against his pulsating erection to maximize every morsel of friction; at the same time, he moved his hips in and out with an almost feral, animalistic urgency."Ugh… I'm close!"His head was thrown back as his movements grew more forceful and erratic. Beomgyu was pinned against the floor, enduring everything in silent acquiescence, though it was quite clear that he was thoroughly enjoying the unbidden experience.On Soobin's side, a tidal wave of pleasure crashed over him, his hands sped up, his back arched, head thrown back in preparation for his impending orgasm."Fuck! I'm… I'm coming!"Like a breached dam, both boys erupted in unison, their bodies convulsing as geysers of white semen shot forth in copious amounts, splashing everywhere and painting the scene with a visceral, almost obscene beauty.Soobin's ejaculate splattered across the bathroom floor, while Kai's erupted across Beomgyu's back, some of it soaking into the fabric of the miniskirt, making it appear as though Beomgyu had been bathed in a sticky, milky fluid.As the last drop was squeezed out, Kai finally managed to regulate his ragged breath, reaching for the handkerchief he had prepared beforehand to wipe everything clean."I guess we'll have to buy this skirt. It got dirtied." He calmly commented, as if the defilement of the garment was the only thing of any consequence.Beomgyu, on the other hand, felt his eyelids growing heavy, the aftermath of the encounter draining his energy with alarming speed. Yet, Kai appeared wholly unaffected.Noticing Beomgyu’s slide towards unconsciousness, Kai gave his asscheeks a sharp squeeze, eliciting a startled jump. "Don't pass out now. We still have to return to the dorm."After Beomgyu had changed back into his own clothes, the two approached the cashier. As Kai settled the bill, his gaze abruptly shifted, drawn to something in the bustling street outside. A flicker of recognition, or perhaps calculation, crossed his face. He turned to Beomgyu, an enigmatic smile twisting his features into a counterfeit display of amiability. "Wait for me outside."Beomgyu, compliant and weary, nodded and exited the shop. He was immediately struck by a familiar figure standing a short distance away—the manager, pacing with barely suppressed agitation, his eyes darting about as if searching for someone.Relief washed over Beomgyu as the manager noticed him and hurried towards his direction. The boy opened his mouth to speak, to offer an explanation, but the words died in his throat as a brutal slap landed across his face. The force of the blow sent him reeling, a momentary white-out obscuring his vision.The shock was profound. He had expected worried questions, perhaps even a reprimand, but not this raw aggression.The manager's face was contorted with fury, his anger directed squarely at Beomgyu. "Why the FUCK did you go with Kai?! Didn't I tell you to stay away from that group?!"Beomgyu knew, with a sickening certainty, that he was not at fault, that he deserved to defend himself. But no plausible explanation formed in his mind.How could he explain the subtle manipulation, the insidious pressure that had led him to accompany Kai against his will? It sounded like the fantastical plot of a badly written novel; there was no way the manager would believe him. Thus, he chose to remain silent, to endure the scathing reprimand in the unforgiving glare of the street. He was wounded, humiliated, and utterly powerless to assert his innocence."Why don't you say anything?!" the manager continued to berate him. "Do you enjoy spending time with those fuckers?! Is that why you disobeyed me?!" His pent-up frustrations reached a boiling point, and Beomgyu was unfortunately the one who bore the brunt of his anger.Being accused of something he was innocent of, compounded by the lack of any tangible proof to defend himself, created a chasm of despair within Beomgyu. He could only shake his head mutely, his lips pressed into a tight line, trying to prevent the tears from escaping.Inside the shop, the staff were visibly disturbed by the scene unfolding outside. Unaware of the man's professional connection to Beomgyu, they perceived him as an irate stranger berating a defenseless idol. Instinctively, they reached for their phones, ready to document the perceived transgression.Kai, standing nearby, did nothing to dissuade them. After all, he was the architect of this carefully orchestrated misunderstanding; his role was not to prevent the conflict, but to capitalize on it.Adopting an expression of profound concern, he dropped the shopping bag he was holding and bolted outside, interposing himself between Beomgyu and the enraged manager, raising his voice in a manner calculated to resonate with the growing crowd of onlookers. "I don't know what he did to you, but treating people like this is unacceptable. You need to stop."While he didn't fabricate any outright falsehoods, he skillfully framed his words to suggest that the manager had appeared out of nowhere and unjustly launched a verbal attack on Beomgyu."No, wait! He was just—" Beomgyu started to demur, to defend his manager, but then he paused, realizing the futility of his efforts now that he was the center of public attention. How could he possibly explain the situation without exacerbating the already volatile circumstances?Kai turned to him, his eyes conveying a carefully crafted empathy. "Beomgyu, I know you don’t want to cause trouble, but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. He doesn't deserve your kindness."Initially, the bystanders had been skeptical about the possibility of encountering TXT idols in such a mundane setting. However, when Kai addressed Beomgyu by name, any lingering doubts evaporated.A growing crowd coalesced around the trio, their phones pointed in their direction, primarily focused on the manager.Both Beomgyu and the man were now acutely aware of the insidious nature of Kai's manipulation, and it was working flawlessly. The crowd started chanting for the manager to leave, some threatening to involve law enforcement. The circle surrounding him gradually constricted, until he was isolated at its center.At this juncture, his words carried the weight of mere dust, unheard amidst the clamor. Only Beomgyu possessed the power to extricate him from this oppressive predicament. If Beomgyu voiced a defense, the crowd's perception would undoubtedly shift.The manager's gaze locked onto Beomgyu, a silent plea for assistance etched upon his features. The boy, indeed, took a tentative step forward, intending to offer his aid. However, he was suddenly arrested by a pair of arms encircling his shoulders in a possessive embrace, accompanied by a low, serpentine whisper near his ear.Time seemed to stand still as Kai uttered those words, "Are you sure you want to exchange your whole career and future for him? Didn’t he slap you out of mere misunderstanding?"Beomgyu's body went rigid, his eyes widening with shock, a raw, primal fear seizing him. Kai continued his insidious monologue, "You can help him if you want, but I can't guarantee he won't abandon you once he learns that you were the catalyst for this whole mess. In the end, his stubborn moral compass will kill him anyway."The word "abandon" echoed in Beomgyu's mind, the prospect of the manager looking at him with disgust after learning the truth filling him with terror.In his disoriented state, Kai continued to poison his mind with manipulative words. "It's okay to be a little selfish. Sacrificing everything for one individual isn't always a worthy endeavor. We can be happy just as we are.""….."Moral ambiguity clouded Beomgyu's judgment. He suddenly found the idea of preserving his future more alluring. After all, why would he give it away so easily?Between a man he had known for a few years and a promising career, he would undoubtedly choose the latter. That was the harsh truth.With that chilling realization, he lowered his head, his expression softening into something that resembled acceptance. Kai relished the capitulation, tightening his embrace and burying his face into Beomgyu's nape."Good choice, I'm proud of you."With each passing second, Beomgyu's indifferent demeanor heightened the manager's despair, amplifying his crushing sense of betrayal. He desperately wanted to believe that Kai had whispered a threat so significant, so terrifying, that it had scared Beongyu to his very core, that Beomgyu was acting under duress, that this was simply a performance born of desperation.Yet, the devastating reality that no one, not a single soul, was standing on his side at this critical juncture, was shattering his insides...."Hey, have you seen the latest news about TXT? I was shocked!"This kind of conversation could often be overheard among a group of girls, particularly those gathered around a desk in class, gossiping about K-pop, their biases, and their favorite ships. Among them, one girl noticeably flinched at the mention of TXT’s latest news, her previously engaged demeanor turning uncharacteristically silent.Beside her, a girl with neatly tied twin-tails perked up in curiosity. "What is it? I haven’t caught up with K-pop news lately."The one who had made the announcement, a tall girl with an air of secrecy, leaned in as if about to disclose highly classified information. "First off, you guys remember those shipping videos from a few days ago, right? You know, the ones where Beomgyu gets paired up with the other members?"The twin-tailed girl immediately brightened. "Oh my god, YES! I giggled so hard watching them. Beomgyu is totally the babygirl of the group, he gets all the princess treatment."As much as they enjoyed watching these affectionate moments between idols, they understood the boundaries and respected their idols enough to draw the line between admiration and intrusion—Except one girl.The tall girl continued, her voice lowering slightly. "Not long after those videos went viral, some rumors started spreading. People are saying TXT’s manager has been mistreating the group. And guess what? It has something to do with Beomgyu." She paused for effect. "Apparently, he’s the only member the manager doesn’t treat harshly. In fact, that guy follows Beomgyu around and refuses to leave him alone. But recently, there are videos where a furious man was recorded insulting Beomgyu in public, and Kai appeared just in time to protect his hyung. That man later turned out to be their very manager."The reaction was immediate. The twin-tailed girl recoiled, her nose scrunching in disgust. "What the—How old even is he?""In his forties, I think," the other girl replied.Her friend’s expression twisted even further. "Eww… So he’s, what, mistreating the others out of jealousy? Is he so obsessed with Beomgyu that the mere sight of him interacting with his bandmates triggers him? If that’s the case, the company better step in. This is beyond creepy."The tall girl shook her head, clearly uncertain. But neither of them realized that the person with the most knowledge about this disturbing rumor was sitting right beside them. Unlike her friends, she wasn’t just hearing the rumors—she knew the truth.After all, she started them.Yes, she was the sasaeng fan who got Yeonjun’s phone number. She had even taken part in buying him certain adult items. And now, under his careful instruction, she was ensuring the rumors spread exactly as planned.As the conversation with her friends continued, she suddenly heard audible gasps from other students around her, followed by hushed whispers that indicated confusion and concern over some piece of news."What’s going on?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.One of the girls, her face tightening with worry, glanced up. "The latest post on TXT’s official site is... really strange. Take a look."She turned her phone toward the sasaeng girl, and as she scanned the screen, her brow furrowed with visible unease. The post was replete with damning accusations regarding the group's treatment of Choi Beomgyu.The language lacked the careful euphemisms usually deployed by the company; it brutally thrust the shocking claims into the viewer's face. There was no doubt in her mind that this post had either been made by someone with inside knowledge, or the manager himself had published it without any official consent. The latter seemed more plausible. No one in the company would be foolish enough to trust the manager with something so delicate; after all, doing so could jeopardize their entire careers. The collective loyalty would always lie with the company, not with one isolated, troublesome individual.Using a widely known website was a shrewd move, ensuring the post would attract attention far quicker than an anonymous post ever could. If this continued, the manager's reckless confession might garner more credibility than her own carefully constructed rumors.That old man is such a nuisance, she thought, clicking her tongue inwardly.It was clear now: the manager had thrown everything into this reckless gambit, ready to watch both TXT’s reputation and the company itself burn.But the stakes were high. The man had placed his career—and perhaps even his life—on the line. If the public became aware of his actions in time, he could escape relatively unharmed. But if the company discovered his plan before he had enough support, they would stop at nothing to eliminate him before he could do any more damage.The truth could always be molded to suit those in power, and unless the manager could rally enough supporters, the fallout from his actions could easily be managed—especially for a company accustomed to scandals.For a sasaeng fan who had long lost her sense of reason, she felt nothing but anticipation for his downfall.