Secret Songs

TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION OF ABUSE

“The death of Kim Seungwoo, a member of the famous VR1 boy group, was found dead this morning,” the anchor announced as people watched the news in sadness. “A woman living in the same condo had called the police after seeing someone fall from the top floor.”

At Starwood Entertainment, the staff and the CEO had been getting multiple calls and questions about the reason for the singer’s suicide. Since the news had come out, the people suspected that the staff had been controlling every member to the point that it drove one of the members to death. The VR1 members had ended their contracts, unable to deal with the tragic accident that had happened.

[One year ago]

Seungwoo felt his heart pounding in his chest as he nervously stared at the television displaying the other artists. Chany his leader, and secret lover, glanced at him before gently placing a hand on the boy's. Chany gave a smile as he gently patted the boy’s hand, “it’s going to be fine,” Chany said in his cool voice. “Don’t worry about it. We practiced for this stage. Let’s just let loose and have fun, alright?”

Seungwoo smiled as he glanced at the door when a PD entered the room. “VR1, get ready,” he said as he glanced at them, “you’re on in 2 minutes.” With that, the PD stepped to the side as all five of them exited the room to head to the waiting area. They could hear the crowd cheering in excitement as the previous singer just finished her song before heading off the stage. VR1 took a deep breath as they turned to each other with smiles.

“No matter what happens,” Chany said as the leader of the group, “let’s just have fun and see where it takes us. Fight, fight VR1!” With that, they were brought onto the stage to the waiting crowd who cheered them on. The song ended as the camera panned toward Park Min-Joon, who gave his ending fairy. The crowd screamed when he gave a heart kiss to the fans. They headed backstage and greeted the staff.

“Good job guys,” their manager congratulated them for another excellent stage production. “Get a good rest, and we’ll head back to your dorms.” they nodded as they headed back to their waiting rooms. Seungwoo glanced at Chany, who gave a small smile as the two slipped away, claiming they had to go to the bathroom since one of them had to readjust their outfits. The other members agreed as they headed on first.

With the bathroom door closed behind them, they chuckled as they stared at each other. The nervousness that they had felt moments ago had washed away and left them instead with a feeling of happiness. “We did it, Seungwoo-ah,” Chany whispered as he leaned his head against the boy’s. “I’m so proud of you, of us.” Seungwoo smiled as he closed his eyes and sighed. The two stayed like that for a few more minutes before heading back to their members.

“Everyone here?” their manager asked as she smiled at them. “Let’s go, you guys must be tired, right?” the members made their way back as they smiled and bowed to any seniors they met.

The fans waiting outside screamed as they greeted the members coming out. “We love you!” the fans cried as they waved their lightsticks and signs, “please notice us!!” each of the fans cried as they stretched out their hands. Seungwoo turned to them as he gave a bright smile, and waved at them. He placed his pointer finger on his cheek as a sign of cuteness before giving them air kisses before getting into the car.

The doors closed behind Seungwoo as the fans disappeared from view. “Phew,” Ahn Ji-eun said as he sighed, “gosh, that was the longest music show we’ve had to do in ages.” The other members laughed before falling into small banters and talking as they made their way to the dorms. Seungwoo, being the maknae of the group, was loved and protected by his hyungs no matter what. Currently, the boy himself had fallen asleep on Chany’s shoulder

“He’s so cute when he sleeps,” Min-Joon said as he chuckled. “Hey, take a photo.” Ji-ho only shook his head as he snapped a couple of photos of Seungwoo’s sleeping form. The car ride continued like that before they finally arrived at the dorms. Yawning, Ahn Ji-eun got out of the car before heading inside. The others thanked their manager before getting out of the car and following Ji-eun inside. Seungwoo, who had been half-awake at the time, yawned as he collapsed onto the sofa.

“Seungwoo-ah,” Chany said as he gently patted the boy’s head, “wake up, you gotta wash up before sleeping. Come on, be a good boy.” Seungwoo groaned as he was pulled up by Chany, who gently patted his cheek with a small smile. With a reluctant sigh, Seungwoo made his way to the bathroom as his other hyung’s allowed him to go first. The next day, Seungwoo stared at the breakfast plate in front of him.

The other members glanced at his plate which was only filled with lettuces and other greens. “Gosh,” Yoo Ji-ho said, rolling his eyes, “why are they starving you so much.” Chany stayed silent as he placed a few pieces of chicken onto his plate. Seungwoo smiled at the chicken on his plate with a bright smile, the others chuckled watching him eat it with the salad happily. Before they could give him more, the CEO, who had never appeared in the cafeteria before, entered it.

“Why is CEO Jung here?!” Jung Tae-yong said as he clenched his fork. “She never comes here.” Seungwoo glanced at the CEO of their company before shoving the chicken in his mouth. The CEO glanced at all the trainees before heading towards VR1 area. She glanced at the food before frowning, she glared at them before grabbing Seungwoo’s puffed-up cheeks, forcing the boy to spit it out.

“Who told you,” CEO Jung said as she glowered in anger, “who told you that you can eat something other than greens?!” With that, she forcefully dragged the boy away. The other members tried to stand up but were stopped by some bodyguards. Chany could only watch as he bit his lips in anger and a hinge of sadness. Meanwhile, in the CEO's office Seungwoo cowered into himself as he whimpered.

CEO Jung watched as a couple of bodyguards kicked at the boy lying on the ground with their feet. “Until you learn your lesson,” CEO Jung said as she sipped at her tea, “you will not step out of this room understand?” Seungwoo whimpered again as he shook his head grabbing at his shirt as they continued to kick him.

“I’m sorry…” Seungwoo cried as he got onto his knees rubbing his palms together, “Seungwoo was wrong, I won’t do it again…” CEO Jung smirked as she set her cup down.

“Good,” CEO Jung said as she waved the bodyguards away. “Now get out of my sight.” Seungwoo nodded as he picked himself up before making his way to the practice room. The other members had been pacing anxiously, waiting for him. When Chany noticed him approaching, he raced toward him with an anxious look. He patted the boy down, looking for any marks or bruises that might have appeared.

“I’m okay, hyung,” Seungwoo said as he gently pushed the hand away. “Really, let’s just practice please?” The other members glanced at each other before sighing. Park Min-Joon walked to the sound system before playing their song. The music started from the ending so it would restart from the start. The members got into position before taking a deep breath. The intro started as they began to dance.

Seungwoo stood up as the others stayed down while holding out their hands. “I’m falling for you, it’s true.” Seungwoo started, beginning the first part in a almost whisper. “My heart beats faster when I’m with you~” the song continued as they continued to practice. When it reached the chorus the members changed formation so Seungwoo and Chany were back to back. Seungwoo gave a smile as he reached in front of him.

Chany, on the other side, placed a widespread hand with the pointer finger away. “Love, love, love,” Seungwoo started as he reached out first with a smile. Chany responded as he placed the wide-spread hand on his face. The other members watched, admiring the chemistry they held. When the two stood side by side and the song continued, the others came on. Once the song ended with their final poses, did they stop to gather their breaths.

“That was beautiful guys,” their manager Cha Mina said as she gave a smile. “Seungwoo gets ready, we have a photo shoot in an hour.” Seungwoo nodded as he wiped the sweat away. He waved to the other members before making his way to the showers. When Seungwoo arrived at the area photoshoot area, he greeted the staff there with bright smiles and a ninety-degree bow. They watched him with smiles, finding him cute with his feminine-like looks.

“Welcome,” the photographer said as he shook hands with the boy. “Let’s get you changed and get ready.” Seungwoo nodded his head before heading to the changeroom. The stylist and makeup artist smiled as they hurried him along in order to get into the outfit. Once he had changed, he headed to the area set up for the photoshoots. The camera lights flashed in his eyes, which could blind any other person. Yet, because Seungwoo had been accustomed to the flashing of the lights, he managed to successfully take photos without the risk of blinking or being blinded by it. He posed with the help of the photographer’s directions.

“We have enough photos, sir,” the assistant said as she turned to the photographer. “We shouldn’t keep Seungwoo-shi for long.” The photographer agreed as he shook hands with Seungwoo again before allowing him to change back.

As the door to the car closed behind him, he glanced up at the manager who was looking at him. “Why were the managers complaining about hiding bruises?” Mina asked as she raised an eyebrow. “And don’t you dare think about lying.” Seungwoo looked down as he gripped his pants. His manager sighed as she gently placed a hand against the boy’s with a smile. “I’m not mad, I just want to know.” Seungwoo nodded as he opened his to tell her before, jumping at the sound of his manager’s phone ringing. Mina groaned as she stepped outside to answer the call, leaving Seungwoo alone in the car.