CMOL and Fearless

8

I awoke in a hospital bed. I was so confused, had someone saved me? How did I get here? That is, until I noticed that my hands and legs were handcuffed to the bed. I immediately knew I was in big trouble. There was no way I was getting out of here, firstly I was far too week and wounded and secondly I didn't have the key so I didn't have a chance.

"He's awake doctor."

A man walked up to me, he looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s. He had blonde hair that was clearly dyed.

"Hello there, I'm doctor So, I have been told you need a tattoo removed?"

I finally understood what was going on, I hadn't gotten my tattoo removed fast enough and the ceo must of taken action.

"Yes." I replied quietly.

"And you need it removed as fast as possible."

The doctor continued. He didn't seem at all bothered by the fact that I was handcuffed to the bed.

"I can't give you anything for the pain because I actually don't have anything, I ran out just yesterday. Also, I don't buy medication that would put you to sleep, it's not needed for the operations I do. I think this is all good though, the person who sent you here, my friend Mr. Paek said it didn't matter how much it hurt you, it all counts as punishment for how you were acting. You must really of angered him."

"Do whatever you want to me, I don't care anymore." I replied.

At this point, I had given up. No more fighting the Ceo, I would do whatever he asked of me because if I continued like this, there would be a point in time where he became so tired of me he would eventually kill my entire family and me, I had no doubt of it. I had to change my attitude.

The doctor took out a key and took off the handcuff from the ankle with the tattoo. He then put on cloves and took out some sort of knife. I was ready for the pain, or at least I thought I was. I thought I knew pain, all the times I was beat up by the manager or the CEO, the times I twisted my wrist while practicing a dance. I was wrong and I soon found out. The pain I felt as the doctor removed my tattoo was on a different level.

I remember screaming very loudly and the doctor's helper put his hands to his ears, the doctor stopped for a second, then continued. I passed out a couple seconds later.

Slowly, I woke up. My hands and leg were still handcuffed to the bed and my other leg was handcuffed too now. There was a bandage on my ankle and I didn't dare move my leg because I knew that would make the pain worse. I felt different, like I wasn't fully myself anymore. My body wasn't mine anymore, it belonged to the Ceo and I would have to wait until my contract expired to be me again.

The countless hours I spent in the hospital bed before the doctor made sure I could walk at least a bit finally ended when I was told about an interview that had come up. At this stage in my recovery, which had taken many days because the doctor cut really deep to remove the tatttoo, I could walk slowly but it hurt a lot to walk fast or run.

"Welcome CMOL!" The interviewers exclaimed.

"How are you today?!"

"Good." We replied.

"So we have some questions and then a little game, how does that sound?!" One of the interviewers explained.

"Awesome!" Zeke replied.

A game?

"So, the first question, what should we be expecting in this coming year?"

"Another album, new songs, probably a new style to our music videos. More concerts."Our leader replied.

"There are many rumours out there about you guys so I just wanted to clarify one thing with you. Are any of you in any movies that are coming out next year?"

"No, we are rather busy at the moment, maybe sometime in the far future though."Owen said.

"Okay, now that that's cleared up, let's play a game!"

"The rules for the game are quite simple although it does involve some moving around but, all of you are healthy so there won't be any trouble with that right?"

"Um, could you explain the game first then I'll let you know if I'll be able to participate?" I asked.

"I hurt my leg a couple days ago." I clarified.

"Oh, well it involves running. See the obstacle course over there? You may have realized this interview isn't at our normal building, we rented out this building for this activity!"

I felt stupid now, how did I not realize just by the building. I guess I've just been so emotionally tired, I just expected it was rented out because the normal building was busy. This room was very nice and seemed good for interviews.

I kindly said I wouldn't participate in the activity today because of my leg, but that I would watch and cheer for the other members from where I was. The interviewers understood and they started explaining what their plan was for the game.

•••

Arriving back at our apartment, Leroy was the first to enter and he stopped in the entrance for a moment before continuing into the room. I was confused at first until I entered our apartment. From the living room and kitchen area we could see our bedroom, and the light was on.

"Hello?" Zeke said.

Our manager had dropped us off so it wasn't our him. I approached the room. The door was open, but that wasn't weird because we left the bedroom door open most of the time when we left. Did one of the members leave the light on accidentally? I slowly entered the room. As soon as I saw him I gave a quick bow and headed for the bathroom. What was he doing here! It wasn't enough to make us feel uncomfortable every time we went to see him, he now had to made us feel uncomfortable in our own home? And what was he doing snooping around in our room?

After I was done throwing up, I headed back to our room. The other members were standing in a row awkwardly against the wall and I quietly joined them. The manager had been in here many times, but he wasn't interested in us like the Ceo was.

"I heard the interview went well?"

"Yes." We all replied.

"But, Iseul, you didn't participate in an obstacle course?"

"I'm sorry sir."

I first connected with my stomach and I stumbled, quickly getting back up.

"Well, now that that's clear, if you're hurt I don't care. You're here to work, stuff like that makes people start to question how you got hurt. Am I understood?"

I nodded.

"Now, Christmas is coming up so I have a little gift to make sure you don't upset me during the holidays."

The ceo kicked Owen in the side then proceeded to beat him up. He never touched our faces when punching us, not wanting to made a mark. The man walked down the line beating us up one by one while we stood waiting for a fist to connect with a stomach or an arm.

It will get better, I promise. I hope you all are enjoying your holidays!