𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 | 𝘰𝘩 𝘴𝘦𝘩𝘶𝘯

⤖ chapter fifty-five

Why did it sting?

What was this emotion that made tears roll down her cheek, a sickening feeling stabbing her chest?

She once admitted admiration for the boy, one that any fangirl would wholeheartedly say so. But things changed. And she thought the feelings just remained as that.

When she was only a fangirl who had no actual connection to him, she knew there's a line that she cannot cross. That being a fangirl is just that of being a support for the artist, not crossing any boundaries.

She liked him as an admirer. An admirer from afar. That was before Sehun became an acquaintance, a friend.

Months have passed and as much as Heejung enjoyed the company of Sehun, she knew that being with him would stir her emotions despite the firm resistance she first showed to him.

Because after all, they were strangers.

It did not bother her completely when she learned that he was committed to someone, for there weren't any feelings involved then.

However, seeing with her own eyes the passion that the two shared after time passing, the love that their eyes held for each other, stole a part of Heejung's heart that she never thought of accepting.

And she blames everything that he did that somehow made her feel special. Like he cared for her which she was deprived of from her parents. Like he looked at her differently, like she was more than just a friend – more than a partner in this fcked up arrangement.

Her mother's strange doings earlier kindled a lot of puzzlement even more. So what now? Are Sehun and Heejung free from their obligations as a married couple, since that's what their parents did not announce to the public?

Daring not to break the silence that resided inside the car, Myunghui worriedly glanced at her best friend who never uttered a word the entire drive.

Myunghui wanted to know what was running in Heejung's mind, wanting to be of use and become a listener. At least make Heejung vent out whatever that is being kept in her chest.

But she did not want to force it. And perhaps, it is not the time for that. For now, Heejung needed space and serenity.

***

"Sehun."

Rising up from his seat, Sehun respectfully bowed to the executive of the company.

"Good morning, Lee Soo Man, sir."

Lee Soo Man sat on his chair, motioning the idol to take a seat as well. Settling down on the chair in front of the executive's table, Sehun silently prayed this would not take long.

He has been trying to connect to Heejung but to no avail, the girl was either out of reach or busy, obviously avoiding him.

The next day came and he received a call from his manager, telling him that he's being called in the office.

Yet now that he's here, his mind was floating somewehere else, particularly, with someone.

"How have you been lately?" Lee Soo Man asked. "Heard you attended a party last night. How'd that go?"

Little annoyed at the question and the answer to it, he shot his eyes up, holding himself back not to appear rude to the elder.

"I... I guess I'm okay?" He replied, unsure. "That's a pretty interesting question but, can't we just move on to the main thing, sir?"

"Ah, of course." The other chuckled, taking the hint that the boy did not want to discuss the topic he brought up.

"I know you know why you're sent here," Lee Soo Man started, seriously boring his eyes on the younger. "And that EXO is currently in a quite tricky position with the issues regarding your past and present members, and now including you."

"We just released a statement regarding Kai and Krystal's dating rumors, and the issue with Tao. If there's anything more your fans will know, there's a high chance the group will fall. We can't afford any more scandals and rumors."

Sehun looked up at Lee Soo Man, analyzing every word he said. "Sir, you're aware that my parents are the ones who forced us into this arrangement, right?"

"Yes, but it is not them who go out and expose themselves in public places. You chose that yourself, Sehun."

"So now we're suddenly on our own?" The lad scoffed. "Have you talked about this with them?"

"I haven't. Because I want to personally ask you. You're the one who's going to decide, not them." Lee Soo Man strongly stated before leaning forward to place his arm on the table, intertwining his fingers together.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Sehun asked. "What do you suppose we should do then?"

The elder took off his glasses and looked intently to the boy who couldn't make out what he's about to say next.

"Look, I know you care about my goddaughter. Maybe more than her parents do. But she's not the only one you care about." The executive raised a brow, waiting for any sign of agreement from the latter but received only a knitted eyebrows.

"You belong in a group and you guys count on each other. You've been together for so many years–"

"Please, just, what are you getting at?" Sehun cut him off, getting frustrated.

"My point is, there are many people counting on you to make a choice. It's hard but you can't have everything." Lee Soo Man voiced. "We haven't even released a statement about the rumors between you and Heejung, yet she's already suffering from your..."

Sehun lowered his head, already picking up what he's meaning to say. Blaming himself at the turn of events.

Lee Soo Man released a big sigh before speaking again. "I want you to decide whether to stick to your group and cut whatever arrangement you have with your and Heejung's parents, or stay with her and... leave the group."

decided to make it short chapters so it won't be too rushed.

which do u think sehun will choose?