*Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of bullying and emotional distress.*
Kim Mingyu, the talented and charismatic member of SEVENTEEN, had always been known for his bright smile and infectious laughter. However, behind the scenes, Mingyu was hiding a painful secret.
It started with small, seemingly harmless jokes from his fellow members. They would tease him about his height, his fashion sense, or his cooking skills. Mingyu would laugh along, thinking it was all in good fun. But over time, the jokes turned into constant belittling and criticism.
Joshua would mock Mingyu's vocals during practice, saying he was off-key and ruining the song. S.Coups would make snide comments about Mingyu's choreography, claiming he was always a step behind. Even Hoshi, usually the group's mood-maker, would join in, making Mingyu the butt of his jokes.
Mingyu tried to brush it off, thinking that his members were just stressed or tired. But the constant barrage of negativity began to chip away at his self-esteem. He started to doubt his own abilities, wondering if he was truly good enough to be part of SEVENTEEN.
As the bullying escalated, Mingyu became increasingly withdrawn. He stopped participating in group conversations, fearing he'd say something stupid or embarrassing. He'd skip meals, claiming he wasn't hungry, when in reality, he felt too anxious to eat.
During performances, Mingyu's usual confidence vanished. He'd mess up choreography, forget lyrics, or struggle to hit high notes. His members would scold him, saying he was ruining the show.
One particularly grueling rehearsal ended with Mingyu breaking down in tears. He locked himself in the bathroom, overcome with emotion. That's when he realized he couldn't take it anymore.
Mingyu reached out to the one person he trusted – Woozi. The leader and primary songwriter of SEVENTEEN had always been a source of comfort and guidance for Mingyu.
Woozi listened, horrified, as Mingyu shared the extent of the bullying. He promised to address the issue immediately.
The next day, Woozi gathered the members for an emergency meeting. He confronted them about their behavior, explaining how their actions had devastated Mingyu.
Joshua, S.Coups, and Hoshi were shocked and remorseful, never realizing the harm they'd caused. They apologized profusely, tears streaming down their faces.
The group came together, hugging Mingyu and promising to support him. They vowed to create a safe, positive environment for everyone.
With Woozi's guidance, SEVENTEEN began counseling sessions to work through their issues. They learned about empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
Mingyu, with time, began to heal. His confidence returned, and he started to shine on stage once more. His members became his biggest cheerleaders, celebrating his strengths and helping him overcome weaknesses.
SEVENTEEN's bond grew stronger than ever. They released a new album, with a title track inspired by Mingyu's experiences. "Rise Above" became an anthem for those facing bullying and adversity.
At the music show awards, SEVENTEEN took the stage, holding hands and smiling. As they accepted their trophy, Mingyu's voice trembled with emotion.
"Thank you, members, for being my family. Thank you for lifting me up when I was at my lowest. We are SEVENTEEN, and we will always stand together."
The camera panned out, capturing the group's tears of joy and the sea of Carats (SEVENTEEN's fans) waving banners with messages of love and support.
Mingyu's story served as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. With courage, forgiveness, and the support of loved ones, anyone can overcome adversity and rise above.
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Please note that this is a fictional story and not based on real events. SEVENTEEN is known for their strong bond and supportive dynamic. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying or emotional distress, please seek help from trusted adults, mental health professionals, or call a helpline such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the US).
