BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT

1

Hyejin's POV

I kept staring at the wall clock waiting for it to reach the time that the bell would ring. Please. Just reach it already.

"Ms. Hwang? What's the matter?" our teacher asked

I shook my head "Nothing."

"Okay, class. I will dismiss you all early today. I have to do other things. I hope no one will make a trouble." she said and left quickly

Some left the classroom while some stayed inside. I kept staring at my phone and waiting for my brother to make a call. I want to get out of here. I hate the atmosphere when no one is approaching me or it feels like they hate me for no reason.

"Wah! This is crazy!" one of my classmate shouted

I looked at her as she rushed her friends. They all looked at her phone and were shocked when they saw it. They all couldn't get over it and kept giving different reactions.

"Hwang Hyunjin was not part of the final performance on Kingdom" one of them shouted

Hwang Hyunjin?

I quickly opened my phone and I saw a lot of news and articles about him not included in their final stage in Kingdom. I checked on it and I was right. It was because of his bullying scandal.

Stray Kids Hwang Hyunjin is not gonna perform in Stray Kids' final stage in Kingdom

I closed my phone and just took my bag with me as I left the classroom. How can they believe a scandal like that? They don't know him personally and they probably just kept talking about what they saw. I hope they won't judge him that fast.

"Hyejin?" teacher called as he saw me

I bowed "Yes?"

"I hope you are okay. Your brother is-" teacher

"I'm fine. I hope you won't spill anything, sir." I bowed and started walking away from him

Right. I am Hwang Hyunjin's younger sister. No one knows. It's a secret that we promised not to tell anyone. I hated the spotlight and I don't want anyone to treat me like a princess just because I am his sister. Hyunjin respected my decision and agreed with my decision. He would always go home if he ever wanted to meet me or our parents. He will go home when he has free time and would always spend time with us freely without any cameras, away from the spotlight.

Back then in 2018, he was accused of school violence and harassment which is not true. Everyone really judged him that fast but Stays believing in him and trusted him so much. He had a hard time coming back to his usual self and would always cry in secret because he doesn't want to affect any of us, his friends or family.

The bell rang as a sign that we are free to go home. I hurriedly left the school and rode the bus home. I sat near the door and made sure no one would sit beside me. I spent my whole time looking at the articles and I have read a lot of comments from Stays who kept believing in him. I hope they won't really leave him.

He is doing fine and taking a rest. He is not that much affected and is doing really well. I hope once he comes back everyone will still give him the same love and support despite the bullying scandal.

The bus stopped and I quickly got off the bus stop. I started walking and heard some people talking about my brother's absence from the Kingdom. It's not only him, even Mingi from Ateez is not going to perform as well as San from the same group. As I arrived in front of the apartment, I rode the elevator to our designated floor when I received a message from Mom.

From : Mom
I visited your Grandma. Are you already at home?

To : Mom
Yup. Take care.

As the elevator stopped, I hurriedly went straight to our condo and entered.

"Kkami?"

Kkami started barking as he ran towards me. I carried him and we went to the kitchen. I just ate strawberries from the fridge and I went to the sofa.

"What should we do? It's just us here. Mom and Dad were not here. Hyunjin is in their dorm. Hyeshua is at work"

Hyunjin calling...

"I heard you-"

[I am not gonna perform this final stage. Yup. You are right.]

"JYP Entertainment is not going to remove you, right? If they will, it's their big loss."

[Crazy. Why would they remove me? If he does that, it will show that he is trying to ruin the group. One left and that's enough for the 8 of us to be stronger.]

"I see. You seem fine. When are you going home?"

[I don't know. I'll update you. Are you at home?]

"Yes, at home. I am with Kkami. Will your final song Wolfgang be your comeback?"

[Wolfgang? Are you crazy? Why would you ask me? As if I can tell you if that will be my comeback as well.]

"Hmm. You should come back. Everyone missed you. My classmates were going crazy to know that you will not perform"

[You still don't know whether I will perform or not.]

"Are you going to perform or not? Just say it"

[Just wait and see. I'll surprise everyone.]

Argh! He can't even tell me that small information?!