Let Me Protect You

1. Bodyguard? For Me?

(An AU in which Lai Guanlin debut as a solo rapper and Kang Dongho / Baekho wasn't a part of NU'EST anymore and didn't participated Produce 101 S2)

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Guanlin literally just wants to die.

After finishing his promotion as the Final Members of Produce 101 Season 2 for an exhausting year, his beloved entertainment, CUBE entertainment, has decided that Guanlin should debut as a solo rapper. It was shocking news indeed, since Guanlin just heard the confirmation of it a day after his promotion ended from his manager (he knew the rumor about 2-4 months ago, but he never clarified it).

"Are you serious?" Guanlin repeated his question, wanted to know that he was in the reality now. He knew that he will debut, but he didn't even think once that he would debut as a soloist.

"Yes" his manager nodded to him "The decision has been made by the board of directors. They said that your popularity overwhelmed them, and you received many positive feedbacks from fans. Therefore, to put you as a soloist is a best option for the company."

As far as Guanlin didn't like how his manager explained things up, he just nod, feeling relieved that he finally knew the truth.

The news of him debuting as a soloist spread through whole CUBE artist and trainees. Fellow trainees congratulated him (male trainees mostly gave him a big round of applause), including his colleague in Produce 101, Yoo Seonho.

"Guanlin, you made it!" Seonho said with a big smile on his face "Now you're truly debuting! I'm so proud of you! I knew that back in Produce 101, you will make it to the end and debuting for real—"

"S-Seonho, don't be like that" Guanlin replied, trying to "I still want to debut with you, OK? Like what we promised earlier before Produce 101 airs"

"I know Guanlin, but I don't even make it to the top 11 back in the day" Seonho sighed, looked to the other male trainees who busy eating their food. "And now the company decided to make you debut alone. There's nothing I can do."

Guanlin thought for a second. "Maybe I can ask them to make a duo group with you"

"There's no need, Guanlin!" Seonho shook his head, stating his disapproval. "We're new to this entertainment business, and we shouldn't make a mess with board of directors. They can kick us out anytime"

"Ah yeah, you're right....."

When they talked about the Board of Directors, Seonho kept his voice down, avoiding other trainees (especially the younger ones) to hear it. Guanlin knew it, so he decreases his voice volume as well. It would be troublesome for both of them if they caught doing bad-talk about their company.

Back when he and Seonho were in Produce 101, he read a news stated that CUBE suffered from a huge loss of money-- like, a LOT. It was a true humiliation for the company and the artist, and also to both Guanlin and Seonho. At that time, both of them realised that the entertainment will put their bet on them to turn back the situation.

But well, the huge bet goes to Guanlin.

"So, don't forget to treat me food okay, Guanlin?" Seonho said again, patted the taller male's left shoulder. "Now, I need to go back practicing."

Guanlin nod, stared at Seonho who joined the other trainees to continued their dance lesson.

-----

Guanlin lays his body on the single-size bed in his room. He stares to the ceiling, wondering at how it feels like to debut as a soloist.

"It may be a huge trouble since I got low training period...." He says in chinese, not wanting other people to know his rant (and another thing is that, he feels like ranting in his own language is more flexible and enjoyable).

He had a chance to talk with Hyuna sunbaenim, whom he knew that she was a successful soloist and also an ex-member of 4Minute. Hyuna advised him to not worry much, as she knew that Guanlin must be nervous because he already had a numerous fans due to Produce 101, and people expecting the best out from him due to that show and his promotion as the final lineup team. Hyuna also complimented him for his good rapping and attitude, but she also advised him to work more on his expression—which is something that Guanlin wasn't good at.

He also had a chance to talk with Hyunseung sunbaenim and some BTOB members for advice. According to what he can summarized from both of it, Hyunseung sunbaenim advised him to always had a good manner everywhere and anytime, before showbiz agents caught him doing something unpleasant, thus cracked his reputation. BTOB members also advised him the same thing, but they emphasized on what image Guanlin want to create as a soloist, because having a unique yet individualistic aura is very important to stand out in the mist of idol battle. They also advised him to be himself, but refrain from saying something unpleasant (much like what Hyungseung sunbaenim said before)

He sighs for a while, grabbing his phone to tell his family about the news. Although it is good news for his family, he feels a heavy weight lies on his shoulder.

Debuting by his own wasn't as easy as he thought before, after all.

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After the news, Guanlin is busy preparing his debut. He trains extra hard (even he feels like it's slightly harder than in Produce 101) to perfects his rap skill, then he gains some training about dancing, and he also attends the meeting to talk about the concept of his album, the title song, the B-tracks, and so on.

Since he is a soloist, he needs to decide everything on his own. And it frustrates Guanlin so much because most of the concept that the designer offers doesn't really matches his image. But then, he finally picks the one he finds okay.

There are so many preparations he needs to do that he just wants to roll away and die.

After about 1 year and some months, finally CUBE entertainment announces Guanlin's status as a soloist. He checks naver to see the comments, and he shocks because there's numerous mixed comments about his status as a soloist; most people supports him, some says it's okay, some says he's better in a boyband, and some says he shouldn't be debuted now because of his training period. The last one really kicks Guanlin's stomach, tho.

Many preparations have been done to ensure Guanlin's success debut. After all, CUBE is in short of money since B2ST left (and only Hyunseung sunbaenim remains here) and 4Minute's disbandment—they need to make quick cash; And Guanlin (along with Triple H), is their answer. Sad to hear, but Guanlin knows that it's the reality that he needs to face.

One day, the manager calls him to out of the blue. It was in the midst of his song recording when the manager comes by to the recording room.

"May I talk to Guanlin?"

Guanlin takes off his headphone, following his manager outside the recording room.

"Is there something wrong?" he says

The manager shakes his head. When they open the door, Guanlin shocks to see another male waiting in front of the sudio room. That male is shorter and presumably older than him; black hair that's been slicked back, good body built, then somehow, a very manly and handsome face. Even Guanlin feels that he's manlier than him—and he was ashamed by it.

'Who is this guy?' he asks on his mind. 'New recruit? Or maybe my duet partner?'

No, none of them are right.

"Guanlin," the manager speaks as he looks at the male "this is your personal bodyguard."

.....

......

'Wait what?'