HIBISCUS | Bang Chan of Stray Kids

Track 23

"I'm doing what I wanted, but it doesn't go as I want. I've thought of so many things, but it doesn't go as I thought. Nothing goes as I said, as I wanted, as I thought."

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Track 23

A/N: Mentions of strong themes such as sexual assault and prostetution are present in this chapter. All themes are not explicitly written in detail and used for plot procession only. Scenes including these themes are marked with *** to indicate the beginning of theme usage. Faint-hearted readers may skip the segment without missing major plot points. Please, read with caution.

[Jiji: Heyy ~, are you free later today? We just

finished Back Door promotions, so we'll have some

time off.]

[I don't think I have anything scheduled for today,

but I'll have to double check with Manager An first.

You know how he gets when I skip my schedules T_T]

[Good news! I'll be free in the evening. 

I just have to run an errand before. Any ideas on what we're going to do?]

[Jiji: Innie wants to try this new restaurant

downtown. You down to try it out? I'll send you

the address.]

[Totally! I'll meet you guys there.]

          Hwayoung slumped to ease the aching pains from her spine to fully lie back down and snuggle into her warm covers. Like a productive human being, Hwayoung miraculously woke up at a socially acceptable time, but since she did not have anything scheduled until mid-afternoon, she spent the bulk of the morning scrolling through her social media in bed. It was probably around noon when she actually made an effort to get herself to the bathroom to freshen up from her morning grogginess. If it were not for her growling stomach and her trip to the company, Hwayoung probably would have spent the whole day in bed.

          After getting ready, Hwayoung slipped out her front door and made her way to the familiar company van. Hwayoung buckled in, "Afternoon, Manager Angel~! What's scheduled for today?"

           "I'm not sure, but Mr. Seo called you for a meeting."

            Hwayoung's happy demeanor drastically changed, almost as if her mood had a light switch. She wrung her hands nervously together and gulped, "Please tell me that I'm meeting Seo Changbin."

            Manager An creased his eyebrows together, not understanding her assumptions, "What? Changbin? No. Seo Youngchul. Our CEO?"

          Even though she had already seen this coming, Hwayoung was still not fond of the idea. A mixture of nervousness, irritation, and fear ran through her veins. Hwayoung shifted in her seat uncomfortably, "There's no way to get out of this, huh?"

          "'fraid not, Hwayoung," Manager An passed her a jelly pack, which she gratefully took to ease her nerves, "Is there a reason you don't want to see him?"