Requested by @kidgyult on AO3
SEVENTEEN had just gotten a new temporary manager, Taesoo, while their regular manager, Seungjun, was on vacation. Initially, everything seemed fine—Taesoo was polite, smiled often, and treated the members well. He seemed to understand the group’s dynamic, and no one questioned his presence.
The members had no reason to suspect anything wrong, and even Mingyu, known for his big heart and kindness, thought the new manager was a decent guy. When they began practice for their upcoming comeback, Taesoo encouraged them, complimenting their work and offering tips. Everything seemed perfectly normal until the first day’s practice ended.
“Mingyu, can you stay back for a little more practice? There are some things I want to go over with you,” Taesoo asked casually, a pleasant smile on his face.
Mingyu blinked, caught off guard but still nodding. “Sure, hyung.”The other members started packing up their things, unaware of what was about to unfold. They waved goodbye to Mingyu, heading back to the dorms, leaving him alone with Taesoo. As soon as the last member stepped out and the door clicked shut, the mood in the room shifted. The smile that Taesoo wore for the rest of the members vanished, replaced by something darker, his eyes turning cold.
“You know, Mingyu,” Taesoo started, his tone far darker than it had been earlier, “I’ve been wondering how someone like you ended up in SEVENTEEN. You’re really only here for your face and body, aren’t you?”
Mingyu froze, confusion clouding his features. “What... what do you mean?”
“You’re not talented like the others. You’re just a pretty face, and that’s why they keep you around. Do you even realize how much you’re dragging them down? SEVENTEEN could be better off without you. Don’t you think?” Taesoo’s voice was harsh, and each word felt like a punch to Mingyu’s chest.
Mingyu stood there, stunned. He had never been spoken to like this before, least of all by someone who was supposed to support him. He opened his mouth to respond, but Taesoo cut him off.
"Don’t you dare tell anyone about this. The last thing your members need is a burden like you dragging them down. You're supposed to be the strong one, right? The tall, tough guy? Don’t make them worry about you."
Mingyu, too stunned to reply, nodded silently. His heart felt heavy, like a weight pressing on his chest. Then Taesoo made him practice the choreography repeatedly, shouting insults and degrading comments the entire time. By the time he finished, Mingyu’s body ached, his mind racing with confusion and hurt. He felt exhausted, not just physically but mentally.
When Mingyu arrived home, Wonwoo was still awake, reading a book in the living room. “Hey, Gyu, why are you so late?” Wonwoo asked, his eyes scanning over Mingyu’s tired face.
“Ah, I just wanted to get in some extra practice,” Mingyu lied, brushing it off as casually as he could. He didn’t want to worry his members. After all, Taesoo was right—he was strong, and he could handle this. Without another word, he trudged to his room and fell into bed, trying to ignore the growing pit in his stomach.
The next day, Mingyu woke up with dread pooling in his stomach. He didn’t want to face Taesoo, but he had no choice. He plastered on his usual cheerful smile, trying his best to hide the anxiety bubbling inside him. At practice, Taesoo acted completely normal around the other members, laughing and chatting as if nothing had happened the day before.
Once again, after practice, Taesoo told him to stay back. And once the others were gone, the insults began again, sharper and more painful than the day before.
"You’re just a pretty face. Without it, you’d be nothing. Do you even realize how lucky you are? The others carry you. You’re such a disappointment. Why can’t you get it right? They’d be better off without you.”
