Beyond the Spotlight | Volume: 1

6

The next day, Hongjoong was summoned to the CEO's office. He walked in, his heart sinking when he saw Seonghwa already sitting there, looking tense. The CEO's expression was unreadable, but the atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation.

**CEO:** (calmly) "Good morning, Hongjoong. Please, take a seat."

Hongjoong sat down, glancing warily at Seonghwa. "Good morning, sir."

**CEO:** (looking between them) "I've been informed that there was a significant altercation between you two last night. Can either of you explain what happened?"

Hongjoong shifted uncomfortably. "We... had a disagreement after the Music Bank results."

**Seonghwa:** (cutting in) "It was more than just a disagreement. We both said things we regret."

**CEO:** (nodding) "I see. Hongjoong, can you elaborate on what was said?"

Hongjoong hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Seonghwa was very upset about the loss. He felt like we were wasting our efforts and suggested leaving the group to pursue other opportunities."

The CEO’s gaze turned to Seonghwa. "Is this true?"

**Seonghwa:** (defensively) "Yes, it is. I met someone who offered me a chance in the fashion industry, and after last night, I seriously considered it."

The CEO leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Hongjoong, how did you respond to this?"

**Hongjoong:** (sighing) "I tried to reason with him. Told him we needed to stay focused on our music and not give up. Things got heated, and I might have said some things in the moment."

**CEO:** (thoughtfully) "I understand tensions are high after a loss, but we can't afford to let this kind of conflict disrupt the group. Seonghwa, do you still intend to leave?"

**Seonghwa:** (looking down) "I don’t know. I’m still considering it."

**CEO:** (firmly) "We need to resolve this quickly. The group's success relies on each member being fully committed. Hongjoong, what are your thoughts on this?"

Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and concern. "I don’t want him to leave. We’ve come so far together, and I believe we can achieve even more. But if his heart is truly set on fashion, I can’t force him to stay."

**CEO:** (nodding) "Seonghwa, you need to decide what you want. But I urge you to think carefully. Leaving now could impact not just your career, but the duo you both have created."

Seonghwa’s eyes met Hongjoong's, and for a moment, the tension seemed to ease. "I understand, sir. I’ll take some time to think about it. But I'm not sure if this is the path that'll lead me to success."

The CEO arched and eyebrow, " What do you mean by that?"

Seonghwa sighed, " When I auditioned for this company, I also auditioned as a model for an agency. Surprisingly, I got accepted by both. At that time, I was torn between wanting to pursue fashion and music. A friend of mine told me that I should go for music since I have the talent that fits the music industry. He told me that in the modeling agency, there are gonna be people that have worked hard for their figures and faces and since I was young and had my natural face without having gone under surgical procedures, he told me that I won't have a chance there against all those perfectionists. I considered what he said and therefore rejected the modeling agency and went for music. Little did I know that years later, I'd regret my decision because I'd work hard day and night for validation but I won't receive it. Instead I'll be surrounded by uncertainty and a future that's dark as hell. Now that we've failed once again at bagging any awards at music bank, I want to reconsider what I'm doing. I want to go for other possibilities too and not be confined to one thing and that one thing that doesn't guarantee me success and fruit for my hardwork."