Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THE CLOCK struck midnight, its chime echoing through the stillness of Yang Jungwon's apartment. Outside, the city pulsed with a vibrant blur of lights and sounds, a stark contrast to the thick anticipation that enveloped him inside. Jungwon paced the small living room, his heart racing as he caught glimpses of his reflection in the window—a boy on the brink of change.
For months, he had dreamed of dyeing his hair blond. It was a bold move, one that felt like a declaration of independence from the constraints of his idol life. But he knew his management would never allow such a radical shift.
In the kitchen, Lee Hyunjae leaned against the counter, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "You know they can't control you forever, right? It's your body, your hair," she said, her voice warm and comforting against the backdrop of his swirling thoughts.
Jungwon ran a hand through his dark hair, anxiety tightening in his chest. "I know, but what if they freak out? I can't afford to get into trouble." The memory of his manager's cold reprimands loomed large in his mind, echoing the sentiment that he was a brand, not a person.
Hyunjae stepped closer, her gaze unwavering and supportive. "If it makes you happy, you should do it. Let's just have fun with it. I can help!" Her enthusiasm ignited a spark of courage within him.
"Really? You'd help me?" Jungwon asked, hope bubbling up through his hesitation.
"Of course! Grab the supplies." With renewed determination, he began to rummage through the cabinets, the weight of his decision pressing against him like the humid air of the night.
As Jungwon rummaged through the cabinets, his heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The thought of defying his management sent a thrill through him, yet a nagging fear lingered. Just then, the door swung open, and Jake, his roommate and fellow ENHYPEN member, burst in, a teasing grin plastered on his face.
"Let me guess, you're about to make a huge mistake?" Jake declared, eyeing the supplies with mock horror. His presence instantly filled the room with a familiar energy, but Jungwon felt the weight of the moment pressing down.
"Shut up, Hyung." Jungwon laughed, trying to hide his nerves. "I'm doing this!"
"Good luck explaining it to the company when they see you," Jake chuckled, flopping onto the couch. "They're going to be furious."
Jungwon rolled his eyes but couldn't shake the sense of dread that Jake's words stirred. He turned his attention back to Hyunjae, who was now mixing the bleach with careful precision.
The playful banter between them faded into a comforting backdrop, but the fear of consequences loomed large.
"Don't listen to him," Jungwon said, determination hardening in his voice. "This is my choice."
