False Impressions I Book 1: Lee Heeseung

Chapter 27: Yearnin'

Three months passed. It goes like a flash. The city's atmosphere feels a little different and taking his way back into Hybe building, Heeseung felt surreal and strange but not uncertain. 

His hiatus shook everyone around him, including himself. It goes in a way where he suddenly felt barren and worthless, hence, the pause. 

His role as Enhypen's ace is vital and unfortunately the group was also put on a sudden break. The second time around and he held responsible again, Bang Si Hyuk almost lost it. Heeseung couldn't believe he made the Hybe founder flipped out, almost breaking and begging for him not to withdraw from his renowned group.

He did not, obviously. He just needs an interval, a space between holding on or moving on, on fighting or surrendering, keep trying or forget everything. Three months passed, Heeseung can't still figure it out.

"You almost killed me. Don't ever do that again." Bang PD uttered after a deep, heavy sigh.

"You still got six headaches to deal with, probably more." Heeseung coldly laughed.

"Don't remind me. Seems like those six chaotic rascals are pretty good at keeping secrets. I wonder who's next? And what's next." the founder pulled a chaff.

"I'm not gonna jinx it." Heeseung pulled his arms up in the air. "But the guys are pretty serious with work. If there's something going on I can surely sense it."

"You can't be so sure." Bang PD-nim gave a fast shrug. "But snyway, your three month hiatus didn't come much doubted. We halted Enhypen's overseas activities and your appearances as a group. You played a crucial role in your team, and all of you have vitals roles as well. You're like a domino effect, one fall and you lost all. Your supporters believed the group's hiatus is because of Jake's minor accident or just you guys taking a break, making another album, putting another explosive covers. Good thing is, we got so many stuff to upload on your social media platforms and with the help of your trusted fandoms, your fans didn't perceived anything unusual, they thought you're all just chillin'. That's the essence of all the videos, dance practices, reality shows the company is giving you. You might think it don't make sense, but we're saving it for rainy days."

Heeseung stood silent as Bang PD's words lingered in four corners of the room and thrown at him with great force. He was so lucky to find the best company, giving him lots and lots of chances after creating countless mess. 

"Thank you for giving me another chance, Bang PD-nim. I'm so sorry for all the troubles. I let my feelings drove me away--"

"I didn't call you "ace" for nothing, Hee. And I want to apologize too, to you and to Choi Aerin."

Heeseung was caught in surprise. Bang Si Hyuk is the kind of a person that's implacable, the man with an iron fist, but looking at the Hybe's CEO express regret, Heeseung was put on pause for seconds, trying to process the truthfulness of his words.

"I came to realize, none of this will happen if not for my rigid rules. I admit, I was harsh. You are still human after all."

Heeseung was unable to think of anything to say. He can't put it all together. They reached the end. It's already done. They cannot fix what's broken anymore. But why is he hearing it now?

"I know I modified your rules on dating before you went to LA thinking you'll try to patch things up with Choi Aerin. Never did I thought it will again break you two. The mistake goes down in the past, it goes down on me. I made it all, even your hiatus, I caused it too. I attempted to leave her in ruins, just to keep you for myself. I'm sorry, Hee. Yes, I'm selfish. But I'm a CEO and that's how I do business."

"Bang PD-nim--" Heeseung couldn't get his words out. He was surprised and confused and so unsure how to react.

"It's alright. Whatever you're trying to do now, I won't meddle anymore. As long as you do your work, we got no problem with that. This don't go only for you, it's for the whole group. I'm just being fair. My apologies again, Hee."