The hallway outside the practice room was buzzing as the TXT members stopped by to check on them.
Beomgyu: (In an excited voice) "You guys are going to crush the next stage!"
Jay: (With hope in his eyes) "We’re hoping for the best, guys."
Soobin: "Yes! Keep this energy up, brothers!"
Jungwon: "Thank you, thank you so much."
Beomgyu: (With a mix of sadness and excitement) "We have to leave now, but we’ll see you on stage!"
Everyone waved goodbye. As soon as the TXT members disappeared around the corner, the ENHYPEN members collapsed onto the nearby lounge beds, clearly exhausted.
Sunoo: (Voice heavy with fatigue) "When are we ever getting a break?"
Sunghoon: (Side-eyeing him) "How could you say that? Don’t you want to perform in front of ENGENEs?"
Before Sunoo could even reply, Jungwon stood up, pushing through his own tiredness.
Jungwon: "Get up, guys. We have vocal practice in five minutes."
The members groaned but dragged themselves toward the vocal room. Inside, a staff member introduced them to a new vocal coach. Everyone politely bowed and introduced themselves.
Vocal Coach (VC): "So, our new song has a lot of English lyrics. How many of you can speak English?"
Jake: "Only Jay and I are truly fluent."
VC: "Alright. I want to hear your vocal ranges. Please, sing a part of your choice."
One by one, the members sang fragments of their songs, their voices echoing in the small room. The coach listened intently, nodding along.
VC: (Complimenting them) "Heeseung, you’ve really got a voice! I’m very impressed.
"The air in the small vocal studio felt tight. The fluorescent lights were too bright for their tired eyes, and the smell of coffee had gone stale. After the coach complimented Heeseung, a heavy silence fell over the rest of the members.
Vocal Coach (VC): "Alright, who's next? Sunoo, let’s hear your part. I’ve heard you have a very unique 'honey' tone."
Sunoo stood up, his legs feeling like lead. He was so exhausted from the earlier dance practice and the argument with Sunghoon that his throat felt dry. He tried to start the high note of their new track, but his voice cracked slightly.
VC: (Frowning) "Again. You're flat. You need more power behind it."
Sunoo bit his lip, his eyes stinging. He tried again, but the fatigue was winning. He looked toward Jungwon for support, but the leader was busy looking at the lyric sheet, his face stoic from his own stress.
Sunghoon: (Muttering under his breath) "If he didn't complain about breaks so much, maybe he'd have the energy to hit the note."
Sunoo heard him. His heart sank. He was always grateful to be an idol, but today, the weight of the "Kim Group" heir expectations and the grueling schedule was just too much.
VC: "Sunoo, focus! This song has a lot of English. If you can't get the pronunciation and the pitch right, we'll have to reassign this line to someone else."
Jake: (Trying to be helpful but sounding tired) "Sunoo-ya, it's 'th' sound, not 'd'. Try to follow my lead."
Sunoo: (Softly, his voice trembling) "I'm trying... I just... I need a minute."
He felt the "selfless" part of him wanting to apologize and keep going, but the "sweet and shy" Sunoo was reaching his breaking point. He looked at his members—his brothers—and for the first time, he felt like a stranger among them.
After the vocal session, Sunoo excused himself and went straight to the couch. He sat there, his body feeling heavy with fatigue. Sunghoon, trying to lighten the mood in his usual way, poked Sunoo’s arm, but Sunoo wasn't in the mood to play. He simply ignored him, staring blankly at the floor.
Next, Jay took his turn, singing an English track from one of their previous albums with effortless confidence.
Vocal Coach (VC): (Nodding in agreement) "Since you and Jake are fluent in English, you’ll be handling the chorus and pre-chorus."
The coach then turned to Heeseung. "Heeseung, your voice suits the electronic bridge perfectly. Try to make your voice sound like an electronic instrument."
Heeseung looked at him, paused for a few seconds as if processing the challenge, and then gave a determined nod.
Watching from the couch, Sunoo felt a pang of insecurity. He watched his members getting the "big" parts and felt like his voice wasn't enough—or maybe it was just the language barrier.
Sunoo: (To himself, disappointed) "I really need to start taking official English classes. I’ll fall behind if I keep performing like this. Haaa..."
The Silent Meal
Hours later, the parts were finally finalized. During the lunch break, the members sat together, eating and discussing the vocal session.
Heeseung: (Amused) "He told me to sound like an electronic instrument... What does that even mean? Like an electric guitar?"
Jake: (Laughing) "Probably!"
Ni-ki: (Cutting in) "Don’t worry, hyung. You’ll pull off something brand new."
Jake: (Proudly) "It’ll trend again, mark my words!"
Jay: "Stop talking and start eating."
The table was filled with laughter and jokes, but one person was silent. Kim Sunoo was there, but he wasn't there. He was physically present, but his mind was miles away. He laughed at every joke to blend in, but the laughter never reached his eyes.
The food on his plate remained untouched, and the worst part—no one noticed
Sunoo had been completely zoned out until the sharp clatter of cutlery hitting the table snapped him back to reality. The members were already clearing their plates.
Sunghoon: (Noticing the full plate) "You're going to fall sick if you don't eat, Sunoo."
Ni-ki: (Joking) "Seems like hyung doesn't like the new chef's cooking!"
Sunoo: (His eyes were exhausted, but he forced his voice to sound cheerful) "No, no, it’s not like that... it's just—"
Before he could explain how heavy his heart felt, Jay checked his watch and interrupted.
Jay: (Hurrying) "Guys, come on! We have a choreography overview in ten minutes. Let's move!"
The moment was gone. Sunoo stood up, his stomach empty and his heart even emptier. They headed to the practice hall where the choreographer was waiting. The room felt different today—vibrant and full of energy. Sunghoon was especially glowing after his vocal success, and the group’s enthusiastic greeting brightened the choreographer’s mood instantly.
Choreographer: "You all look very energetic today! Did something happen?"
Jungwon: "Yes! We really love the new track. We’re thrilled for the choreo reveal!"
While Jay poked Jungwon playfully and Heeseung gave them a "behave" side-eye, the choreographer dropped the bombshell.
Choreographer: "So, do you know what’s special about this choreography?"
Jake: (Predicting) "Since the song has so many beats, maybe it’s jumping and high-energy?"
Ni-ki & Heeseung: (At once) "No, it has falsettos! It must be slow and attractive!"
They looked at each other, amused by their synchronized answer, but the choreographer just smiled.
Choreographer: "Jake is actually right. It has stunts. A lot of footwork and stunts."
The members erupted into cheers, jumping with excitement at the thought of a high-level performance. But Sunoo felt a cold weight sink into his chest.
Sunoo: (To himself) "Seriously? It seems like the universe has some personal beef with me." He stared at the floor as the choreographer began to demonstrate the moves—flips, fast-paced footwork, and aggressive power moves. It was everything Sunoo was currently too exhausted to handle.
Back in the practice room, the music was booming. The members were sweating and cheering, but every few seconds, their eyes drifted to the door. Jungwon felt a pang of frustration—as a leader, he needed everyone present. Sunghoon and Ni-ki exchanged a look; they couldn't understand why Sunoo would walk out now. The word "unprofessional" was hanging in the air like a bad smell.
Outside, the lounge was eerily quiet. Sunoo sat on the black leather couch, his silhouette small against the vastness of the HYBE building. His head was throbbing, and the white marble floor seemed to blur beneath his gaze.
Then, the clicking of shoes approached.
Vocal Coach (VC): "Sunoo-shi, what are you doing here? Don’t you have your choreography overview right now?"
Sunoo looked up, quickly straightening his posture out of habit.
Sunoo: "Yes, we have the overview... but... I’m not feeling... I’m not feeling very well."
The coach didn't offer a hand or a kind word. Instead, he raised an eyebrow, his expression hardening.
VC: "You know, it’s very unprofessional of you. Especially missing a session as important as this. The team is in there working, and you're out here."
Sunoo didn't reply immediately. He felt a lump in his throat. He had always been the "selfless" one, but right now, he had nothing left to give. He stood up slowly, bowing his head.
Sunoo: "I think I should leave now. Excuse me."
He turned to walk away, his heart heavy, but the coach’s voice stopped him again.
VC: "Sunoo-shi! Wait."
Sunoo turned back, confused and hopeful for a moment that maybe the coach would apologize.
VC: "I think we should talk."
Sunoo: (Hesitating) "Oh... uhm... okay."
VC: "Not now. You need to return to your choreography session. We will talk some other time."
Without another word, the coach turned and walked away, leaving Sunoo standing frozen in the middle of the hallway.
Sunoo returned to the practice room. Every head turned toward him, but the silence was deafening. No one asked if he was okay. To break the tension, Sunoo forced a bright smile and clapped his hands.
Sunoo: "Everyone, let’s continue! 😊"
The members didn't say anything and went back to their discussion. Heeseung leaned over and whispered to Ni-ki.
Heeseung: "Why did he leave?"
Ni-ki: (Giving him a 'how should I know?' look) "I have no idea."
Heeseung just nodded and turned back to the group. Jungwon, however, kept watching Sunoo. He noticed that while Sunoo was smiling, his eyes were blank, as if he were in another world. Jungwon decided he would confront him about it later.
Back at the Dorm
Later that evening, the members were at the dorm, relaxing and doing their chores. Sunoo didn't stay with the group. He made an excuse and retreated to his room. He felt a heavy weight in his chest—he almost felt like his own members were becoming a threat to his peace.
Sunghoon: (Noticing the empty seat) "Where is Sunoo?"
Jungwon: "He said he needs some time alone."
Jake: "Hasn't he been behaving weird lately?"
Ni-ki: "He must be exhausted. Honestly, hyung looked like his body was melting earlier."
The members laughed at the joke, but Heeseung remained serious. He stared at them for a moment.
Heeseung: "We should go and check on him."
Jay: "Sunghoon, you go. Check if he's alright."
Sunghoon: "Wait for me, I'll be back in a minute."
Ni-ki playfully threw a soft toy at him as he walked away.
Inside the Room
Sunoo was sitting quietly on his bed with his eyes closed. When he heard the door creak open, he looked up.
Sunghoon: "Hey, what are you doing in here? Come on, we’re having a lot of fun in the hall!"
Sunoo looked back down at his hands. Seeing this, Sunghoon’s voice shifted from excited to concerned.
Sunghoon: "Hey, Sunoo-ya... is everything okay? Are you feeling alright?"
Sunoo hesitated. For a split second, he wanted to pour his heart out and tell Sunghoon how much he was struggling. But then, a thought stopped him. He didn't want to ruin the mood.
Sunoo: "No, hyung. I just need some time alone."
Sunghoon: "Why? Did something happen?"
Sunoo didn't answer. From the hallway, the loud laughter of the other members echoed into the room. Sunghoon, not wanting to miss out on the fun, grabbed Sunoo’s hand firmly.
Sunghoon: "Come on, stop being like this. We're having a great time!"
Ignoring Sunoo's silent plea for space, Sunghoon dragged him out of the room and back toward the noisy hall.
Sunoo was trying his best. He sat with the members, forcing himself to laugh at their jokes and push his dark thoughts aside. For a moment, it felt like they were a family again. But then, the sharp ping of a notification cut through the laughter.
Jay: (His face turning serious) "Whose phone is still on? Didn't we all agree to turn them off when we're together?"
Jake: (Pointing at Ni-ki) "I think it’s Ni-ki. He was messaging someone earlier."
Sunoo glanced at the table. He stood up silently, walked over, and picked up his phone.
Jay: "It’s you, Sunoo?" Jay sounded genuinely annoyed. "Didn’t we decide on no phones?"
Sunoo didn’t look up. He didn’t even defend himself at first. His eyes were glued to the screen, his breath hitching as his lips parted in shock at the message he had just received. After a few frozen seconds, he looked at the group, his gaze cold and sharp.
Sunoo: (Voice low and serious) "You never told me anything about a rule like that."
Heeseung: "What?"
Jay: "What’s with your tone, Sunoo?"
Jungwon, sensing the rising heat, quickly stepped in to de-escalate.
Jungwon: "Guys, wait. Jay-hyung, when we discussed the phone rule, Sunoo wasn't in the room. He didn't know."
Sunoo stared at them—the "brothers" who made rules without him and then scolded him for breaking them. Heeseung looked a bit guilty.
Heeseung: "So... no one told you?"
Sunoo didn't bother answering. The hurt had turned into a hot, bubbling irritation. He made a face of pure disgust and stomped out of the hall, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the floor.
Jay: (Irritated) "What is actually his problem lately?"
Sunghoon: "He just gets like that sometimes. Forget it. Let’s just focus on the game."
Within seconds, the laughter started up again. They continued their night as if Sunoo’s seat wasn't empty. Everything went back to "normal," but for Sunoo, nothing would ever be the same.
On the other side of the city, a man in a black hoodie and mask approached a crumbling, traditional Korean building. The paint was peeling off the walls, and the ancient tiled roof looked ready to collapse, but the man moved with precision, ensuring no one saw him enter.
Inside, he stood before a weathered brick wall. He scanned the area until his eyes landed on a tiny, glowing red light. He clicked on his flashlight, illuminating a hidden CCTV camera. He smirked, staring directly into the lens until the camera began to beep.
The Man: (In a deep, steady voice) "7785."
With a loud, heavy thud, the brick wall slid open with a mechanical groan. The man stepped into a dark, narrow passage that led to a hidden room. Two bodyguards stood like statues at the entrance; they wordlessly opened the heavy doors for him.
At the center of the room sat a figure behind a massive wooden desk. The man bowed briefly, and the figure nodded in return. The man walked forward and tossed a thick file onto the desk.
The Man: (Voice calm and dangerous) "Here is the final file for 'Operation KSE'."
The figure behind the desk shifted slightly, his aura matching the coldness of the room.
The Figure: "Good."
The Man: "Do I need to keep collecting data?"
The figure leaned forward into the light, flipping through the pages of the file.
The Figure: "No. You don't have to continue this part of the work anymore."
The Man: "Understood. Call me if anything else is needed."
The Figure: (With a low, chilling laugh) "Of course. You’ll be needed in the future. But... don't leave Korea until I allow it. Understand?"
The man in the hoodie looked irritated, his jaw tightening under his mask.
The Man: "Are you finally going to take the next step?"
The figure didn't answer. He simply smirked, the shadow of his face hiding his true intentions as he stared at the file.
The next morning, Jay was the first to wake up. He dragged a sleepy Jungwon into the kitchen, both of them still in their pajamas.
Jungwon: (In a lazy, morning voice) "Hyung... what are we going to cook?"
Jay: (Full of energy) "Sandwiches? Or do you want something else?"
Jungwon: "Cook whatever you want."
Jungwon turned to leave, but Jay grabbed his arm. "Wait... aren't you going to help me?"
Jungwon: (Smirking) "Do you really think so?"
Jay playfully swatted at the air, and Jungwon laughed as he headed for the door. "I’m going to wake up the others. Make sure breakfast is ready before they get here!"
Jungwon went to Heeseung and Jake’s room first. Once they were up, they went to wake up Sunghoon and Ni-ki. One by one, the members freshened up and gathered in the hall, but Jake quickly noticed a gap in the group.
Jake: "Where is Sunoo? Heeseung-hyung, didn't you wake him up?"
Heeseung: (Looking confused) "No... I haven't seen him all morning. I thought Sunghoon was going to wake him."
Sunghoon: "Eh? Me?"
Just then, Jay walked in from the kitchen and placed the breakfast on the table with a smile.
Jungwon: "Jay-hyung, have you seen Sunoo-hyung?"
Jay’s smile vanished. His expression made it clear he was still annoyed about the fight from the night before.
Jay: "No."
Sunghoon: "Then where did he go?"
Ni-ki: "Maybe he’s at a cafe?"
Heeseung: "Did he really wake up that early? Even before Jay?"
Jungwon: "Should I go look for him?"
Jay: (Interrupting coldly) "No need. He’s not a kid. He’ll show up on time... if he actually cares."
Jake: "Come on, Jay. Don't tell me you're still mad over that little fight?"
Jay just sighed and sat on the sofa, ignoring the question and staring at his plate.
They had almost finished their breakfast, and Sunoo was still missing. Sunghoon tried calling him, but the call went straight to voicemail. Just as they were about to give up, the front door creaked open.
Sunoo stepped inside.
Jungwon: (Looking up immediately) "Sunoo-hyung, where were you?"
Sunoo didn't say a word. He walked in slowly, his presence feeling different. Ni-ki stared at him, confused by his outfit: he was wearing a beanie, a red netted flower-printed shirt over a white T-shirt, black pants, and crisp white sports shoes. It was a lot more stylish and "bold" than his usual soft morning look.
Jake raised an eyebrow, his eyes tracking Sunoo as he took slow, deliberate steps toward the table. Under their gaze, Sunoo looked like a lost puppy—innocent and silent.
Heeseung: "What are you wearing? And where have you been, Sunoo?"
Sunoo didn't answer. He just looked at them with wide, innocent eyes. Jay still refused to look at him, pretending to be angry, but he quietly slid a plate of sandwiches toward the empty seat. He gestured for Sunghoon to move aside so Sunoo could sit.
Before the members could grill him with more questions, Jay interrupted, still staring at his own food.
Jay: "We don't have all day to wait. There’s a sandwich there waiting for its owner to eat it."
With that, Jay got up and left the table. As soon as he was gone, the other members crowded around Sunoo, their questions coming fast and loud.
The members crowded around Sunoo, their voices overlapping as they pressured him for answers.
Jungwon: "Where were you?"
Jake: "And what kind of outfit is this?"
Sunghoon: (Glancing anxiously at the wall clock) "Come on, just eat your breakfast. We don’t have much time."
Sunoo took a slow, deep breath, as if gathering his strength.
Sunoo: "I told you, I was at a cafe. And this..." He pointed to the red netted shirt. "I know it’s weird, but—"
Ni-ki: (Reaching out and playfully stretching the netting of the shirt) "You look like a fashion nerd."
Sunoo didn't laugh. He just gave Ni-ki a blank, innocent look and went back to his sandwich, refusing to say another word. One by one, the members gave up and left the room to get ready. Only Heeseung remained. He sat down next to Sunoo, a soft, concerned smile on his face.
Heeseung: "Is everything okay?"
Sunoo looked at him and gave a small, silent nod.
Heeseung: "You look tired... and stressed."
Sunoo looked around the room for a few seconds, appearing hesitant, before he suddenly sharpened his gaze and shut down the conversation.
Sunoo: "I can't speak English clearly, so... let’s just not talk about it."
The statement was so blunt that it left Heeseung with an unreadable expression. Not wanting to make things more awkward, he stood up.
Heeseung: "Okay. We haven't reviewed today's schedule yet. Just come to the practice room after lunch."
As Heeseung disappeared down the hallway, Sunoo let out a long, heavy sigh. He took a deep breath, his shoulders finally dropping as the mask of the "innocent puppy" slipped just a little.
In the practice room, the members gathered to review the schedule. Jay looked over the notes, his expression neutral.
Jay: "So, according to the schedule, we’ll be traveling to several different locations for shoots this month."
Jungwon: (Realizing the gap in the schedule) "Wait... so that means today is a day off? Wow!"
Sunghoon: (Not looking happy) "And then from tomorrow, we go back to back-breaking labor."
Ni-ki: "Come on, hyung. At least we have today off!"
Heeseung: (Agreeing) "Yes. We can hang out with friends today... I guess."
Jake: (Instantly shaking his head) "Obviously not." Then he paused, reconsidering. "Actually, okay, maybe yes." It was clear Jake wasn't entirely sold on the idea.
Sunoo: "Heeseung-hyung is actually right."
The room went quiet as everyone turned their heads toward Sunoo, giving him their full attention.
Sunoo: "I’m actually planning to hang out with my friends today."
Jay: (Looking away but nodding slightly) "It’ll freshen the mood. We should do whatever we want today." It was obvious he was supporting Sunoo's decision, even if he wasn't ready to look him in the eye yet.
Ni-ki: "Fine. Bye, then. I don’t know what to do, so I’m just going to binge-watch Netflix."
Jungwon: "Since when did you start watching Netflix like Sunoo-hyung?"
Heeseung: (Teasing) "He even started liking mint chocolate—"
Ni-ki: (Cutting him off) "No! When did I ever say I liked mint chocolate?"
Sunoo gave Ni-ki a sassy side-eye, his expression suddenly sharp and confident.
Sunoo: "Huh. Don't worry, mint chocolate doesn't like you either."
The room went silent for a split second. It was a pretty savage comeback, leaving Ni-ki speechless.