Step 1: Make Changkyun Stay

chapter six

Changkyun followed the manager out of the dormitory, into their van. During the short drive to the company, Changkyun's gaze was constantly out the window, staring into blank space. He dreaded the talk with the manager, for if it was to be held at the meeting room, it was something serious. Probably about them.

And if the manager noticed his discomfort, he didn't mention it.

Changkyun wondered how he was going to explain everything. He was puzzled at how they even found out about it. Fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, he jumped when the manager coughed loudly. Taking in the surroundings, Changkyun realized they had already reached the destination. Clearing his throat, he jumped out of the vehicle and slammed the door shut, before following the manager, his heart thumping loudly against his chest.

-

Changkyun snorted when he remembered how nervous he had been before he entered the room. His hands were shaking, when he sat opposite the manager behind the desk. Hell, he was even sweating buckets.

Only for the manager to ask if he was really alright with debuting, and if the strained relationship with the other members would affect his performance.

Instinctively, he had replied with "of course not!".

Lies.

Lies, lies, lies.

When the manager said he could leave, Changkyun nodded, before pushing his chair away to stand up. He quietly thanked the elder, before going out of the door, sighing in relief that it wasn't anything serious. Just stepping outside, he gulped, realizing that he had to walk back to the dorm himself. 

Alone. 

-

"Look, it's the cheater who bribed the company to let him debut."

"He doesn't deserve to debut, seriously."

"Gunhee would have been a better choice."

"I mean, look at all those acne scars! Anyone would have been a better choice."

Changkyun tried not to let the words get to him. Ever since No. MERCY had ended and the final lineup had been chosen, he had been hearing those comments every single time he walked in the company. 

It pained him, honestly, when people just thought he wasn't worthy of his position. And it made him wonder if they were right. He briefly wondered if debuting was even worth all this degrading.

His hand subconsciously shook as their words repeated themselves over and over again, and he darted into the nearest bathroom.

It was too much. 

Trying to ease his racing heart rate, he leaned against the wall, all the while hearing the footsteps coming nearer. He didn't even know why he was reacting this way, he knew he shouldn't be getting so affected by what people thought of him.

But he was.

Changkyun took deep breaths as he tried to calm his nerves. But the voices keep reverberating in his head. 

"The new guy was probably promised to debut."

"How much did he pay the money to be guaranteed a spot?"

"You think I can cheat my way through a debut as well? I mean, that idiot could do it, I could too."

Changkyun let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as he slowly squatted down against the wall. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he tried to get himself together, but failing miserably.

But his heart rate accelerated even more when those people actually entered the bathroom. Changkyun had always heard their hate comments, so it was nothing new, though it always affected him. But what was new and causing his heart to palpitate so hard was the fact that they were approaching him. 

He felt the panic grow within him as he fumbled about in his pocket to call someone - anyone. He feels sick as he speed dialed for Jeongwook - no answer. He called again, his heart racing faster than ever - again, no answer. 

No Jeongwook. No help. Just him.

He was all alone.

They never came close to him before, just giving remarks from afar. And when the light gave their smirking faces away for Changkyun, he gulped, his phone slipping through his slim fingers and hitting the floor.

He let out a cry of anguish when the first punch was dealt to his abdominal area. It wasn't an experienced blow, but it hurt. He curled up into a ball, hoping - wishing  that it'll all end soon.

He was a sobbing mess, as kicks after kicks were landed onto him, with malicious words that cut him right at his core. 

And suddenly - finally it all ended. The kicking stop. Changkyun let his tears run freely down his cheeks, not even bothering to look up as he heard them leave. He groaned in pain as he rolled over onto his back, the numbness in his abdominal area making him wince. Just when he thought he was about to pass out, the door reopened

"Changkyun?"