"So... we're combining groups?" Jake questioned. "Like right now?"
Nobody dared to breathe as they waited for an answer.
"Correct."
(Tragedy strikes Be:Lift when the company's partner suddenly pulls out of their contract. Quickly going bankrupt, the...
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TW: emotional abuse, references kidnapping, depression, and alcoholism
~~~~~
Aftermaths and Bubble Baths || 1/4
"Why did you do it?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Stop with the games." Heeseung turned away. "You paid people to keep their mouths shut and turn a blind eye when we needed them. Why?"
"Isn't it obvious?" The CEO leaned against the bars of his temporary jail cell. "It was for you. I ensured your group's success. Nobody cared before. Now, the whole world is watching."
"But not because of our music."
"Well, yes. That's how it works, Heeseung. I've been in this industry long enough to know; you establish yourself first as people the public wants to root for. Music comes second."
"It doesn't come second. This whole—everything—it was because of music. I became an idol because I love music."
"The public doesn't give two shits about your music," the CEO laughed. He retreated further into his cell, lying down on the iron cot. "It's all about you. You must be perfect. You must be sellable. Only then will people care."
Heeseung clenched his fists. "But we were sellable. You didn't have to let a goddamn sasaeng kidnap Daniel to get people to buy our music."
The CEO remained indifferent, staring at the ceiling with his hands tucked behind his head. "Our company needed money. I couldn't take any risks."
"Risks?" Heeseung scoffed. "So you gambled with our lives?! She could've killed us! She nearly did!"
"I helped you. One day, you'll realize that, and you'll be grateful."
Heeseung shook his head. "I am grateful. I know you helped us. But what you did was wrong. It was dishonest, manipulative, and the public deserves to know the truth."
"The public will know the truth. And when they find out, let me be the monster, Heeseung. Give them another reason to root for you."
"Stop," Heeseung muttered.
"No," the CEO prodded on. "It's important that you know. I've always been on your side, whether you like it or not. Whether you admit it or not."
Heeseung didn't reply. He turned to leave, pausing for a moment. "Thank you for helping us debut."
"Of course. Make me proud, Heeseung."
"I don't need to make you proud." Heeseung left the room without another word.
***
Bubble baths were supposed to be peaceful, but Heeseung was filled with rage.
It didn't show, though. He wasn't the type to storm about a house, knocking over furniture. Instead, he sat in a bathtub of water and soap, fuming internally at the CEO's smug attitude. Bubbles encircled his limbs as he created small whirlpools with his hands.
