RETOUCHED CHARACTERS / CAST

RETOUCHED - Chapter 9 - Saranghanikka

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kpopobsession.com

Level Five’s Taejung and model Clover broke up?

Late last night Level Five’s Taejung posted a picture of the view of his Osaka hotelroom to his instagram account (@L5TJ). The picture itself is nothing special, though his comment made fans suspicious if he and his girlfriend Clover may have broken up already.

„Seeing this view. Alone again.“, he wrote. This might only be a hint on being spatially separated from his girlfriend due to Level Five’s Japan tour, but Levelers pointed out that all recent posts involving Clover had been removed from his instagram account. 

Elbi Entertainment did not make any official statement yet. Although Elbi was never a big fan of official statements in the past. 

What do you think? Did Taejung and Clover split already? Tell us in the comments.

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I was ordered to Jang Dongwon, Elbi’s CEO, the next morning. Apparently someone had told him about what happened between me and Mr. Kwon. 

I had only seen Mr. Jang a few times. He was a really busy man and mostly traveling.

I was a bit scared to meet him. If I had to see the CEO, it must’ve been serious. 

     The building was quiet. Almost too quiet. I was hoping Mr. Kwon wouldn’t be there. It would be the perfect opportunity to talk about getting out of my contract with Mr. Kwon and to get a new manager. Since I signed with Mr. Kwon, I never thought of working with someone else. But he was getting more and more unbearable. 

Ahn Jaerin was always in the back of my head. I only knew little about it, but I knew enough to not fully believe Mr. Kwon’s story. He was someone who wouldn’t tolerate own decisions. He never tolerated mine. 

I knocked at Mr. Jang’s glass door. Unnecessary, since he could already see me.

Mr. Jang was wearing a black suit. He waved me inside and offered me a seat. He himself sat on the other side of his desk and observed me carefully. 

„Mr. Kwon should be here any minute. Let’s wait until he gets here.“, he said and smiled. It was a weird smile, somewhat creepy. But it wasn’t what scared me most. He just said that Mr. Kwon would join us. I didn’t want to confront him. I didn’t want to tell Mr. Jang what had happened while Mr. Kwon was listening. I couldn’t tell him what Mr. Kwon’s plan was, that he tried to ruin Taejung and that he threatened me more than just once.

The door flew open and Mr. Kwon stumped into the room. He wore his blue sunglasses and chewed on some gum. His expression didn’t look pleased. Deep frown wrinkles covered his forehead. He sat himself on the free chair next to me, sank down and grunted.

„Great, now that we’re all here, let’s have a talk.“, Mr. Jang trolled. He was way to cheerful, in my opinion. 

„I heard that you two had a fight yesterday. Honestly I wouldn’t care too much about that, but since it happened within this building someone apparently thinks petty things like that fall under my authority.“, he said and grinned. It wasn’t hard to get the sarcasm that laid inside his voice.

Mr. Kwon grunted again and I was too confused to say something.

Before Mr. Jang could continue his weird conversation with us, his phone rang and he excused himself. Mr. Kwon took this chance immediately and turned to me. 

„Don’t you dare tell him anything.“, he said.

I pressed my jaw together and starred at him. There were so many words inside my head that wanted to burst out. But it was not the right time to yell at him.

„If you try to get out of this contract, I will make sure that you won’t sign with anyone ever again.“, his voice became darker and more intense. „I will reveal the truth about you and you will never get a foot back into this business.“

I haven’t thought of that. I had totally forgotten that Mr. Kwon actually had a trump. Getting out of my contract with Mr. Kwon meant giving up on my career. 

Mr. Jang came back into the office. „I don’t have too much time right now. I have to get my flight so let’s keep this short.“, he said sighing and got comfortable in his leather chair.

„Do you want to tell me what happened yesterday?“, he asked. 

Neither of us answered.

„You are waisting my time. Clover explain what happened.“, he demanded.

I shrugged. „It was just a misunderstanding.“, I said but my voice didn’t sound as strong as I intended to.

Mr. Jang raised his eyebrows. „A misunderstanding?“, he asked.

„I was overreacting and things got a little loud. It was no big deal though.“, Mr. Kwon then said.

„Is that so?“, Mr. Jang wanted to know. I saw the flicker inside his black pupil and I knew he wasn’t quite buying the story. But he didn’t care enough to ask any further questions. „Well…“, he sighed. „Then thank you, for this redundant meeting.“, he rose from his chair and practically pushed us outside of his office, following us all the way to the lobby of Elbi. 

Mr. Kwon and I watched the CEO leave the building and driving off in his car.

     „I’m sorry about yesterday.“, Mr. Kwon said.

Did he just apologize?! 

„I went a little overboard.“, he continued to say.

I simply nodded. I wasn’t sure why he was telling me this. I wasn’t believing he meant it.

„There’s a party tonight. You should go there, have some fun and relax. You deserve it.“

„A party?“

Mr. Kwon nodded. „It’s friday, there’s always a party somewhere.“

„And you are okay with me going there?“, I asked. 

„I just suggested it, didn’t I?“

„Are they letting me inside? I’m not eighteen yet.“, I remarked.

Mr. Kwon laughed. „You’re famous, you don’t need to be eighteen. Plus, it’s a Rookie party. Minsoo and some other girls from your dorm are going too.“

I actually didn’t feel much like partying. But maybe it would distract me a bit. I was tired of feeling this sting inside my heart. I wasn’t only when my thoughts came to Taejung, it was a constant pain that accompanied me. 

Seeing he deleted all of our memories pushed tears into my eyes. I wasn’t sure what I had expected. I just somehow wished he would not let me go that easily. But it was for the best.

Minsoo was talking the entire way to the club. She had neatly combed her bleached hair and decorated it with a sparkly pin. She wore her blue contacts as usual which built a mean contrast with her bright orange dress. 

I always wondered if she thought someone actually believed her eyes were naturally blue, or if she just liked it a lot more and didn’t care. I couldn’t imagine myself putting in contacts everyday. 

„Clover?“, Minsoo asked.

I looked at her. Her cheerful face faded to a more serious and worried look.

„I don’t really know how to put this…“, she said and avoided my sight. „Did you and Taejung really break up?“, she asked. „I saw the kpopobsession post and…“

„Yes, we broke up.“, I said. It was the first time I said it out loud and it was easier than I thought.

Minsoo shrugged, she looked at me, her eyes wide open. „Why?“, she breathed.

„It just didn’t work out. Our schedules are too packed and…“, I tried to explain. I just had to real answer. At least no answer that was true. Just in that moment I remembered that we weren’t even a couple. I wanted to be with him so bad, I had actually convinced myself that this was real. I laughed over my own stupidity and shook my head.

„What is it?“, Minsoo wanted to know. My reaction confused her.

„Nothing.“, I replied. „I just remembered a funny moment.“

Minsoo nodded. „I’m really sorry you broke up. I thought you were so cute together.“, she said after a while.

„Thanks, but you don’t need to say that.“, I said.

„But I mean it.“, she insisted. „He was so nice to you. I’d wish someone would look at me the way he looked at you.“, Minsoo said. She turned her head away but I saw her blushing.

„How did he look at me?“, I asked. 

„You never noticed that? Whenever you were around he had only eyes for you and he seemed so happy then.“, she said excitedly. 

I knew she probably meant to cheer me up, but her words actually made me feel worse. I didn’t want to hear how sweet Taejung was. I wanted to believe that I just imagined everything that was good in our relationship.

„I’m so sorry.“, Minsoo quickly said. She had noticed the tears that were sneaking their way over my cheeks and dropped onto my legs. „I didn’t mean to make you cry.“ She slid closer and put her arm around my body. I never noticed how comforting Minsoo’s presence felt. 

„It’s okay.“, I said and wiped my face.

„You really liked him, huh?!“, she said quietly and patted my back.

I nodded. I never thought I would admit that I liked him. But Minsoo made me feel like it was okay to tell the truth. She understood why things didn’t work out, even though she didn’t know the real reasons. 

The party was held in some club that I didn’t know. But mostly because I knew nothing about clubs and I also didn’t care too much for them anyway.

I tried my best to look somewhat happy, but I felt horrible. I wanted to go home and snuggle up in my bed. I told Minsoo to go have fun and went to the bar for some coke. I watched the others dance. They were smiling and giggling. 

‚Are you okay?‘, appeared on my phone’s screen. It was Taejung. I starred at the display, unable to do anything. I didn’t want to answer. Although I didn’t want to worry him either.

„Why are you starring at your phone like that?“, Minsoo suddenly asked, peeking over my shoulder.

„Is that Taejung?“, she asked and grabbed my phone. Her face got all excited. „See, I knew you two aren’t completely over yet.“, Minsoo gasped. „Answer him, answer him.“, she demanded and jumped up and down in front of me, sticking my phone to my face.

„We are completely over.“, I said and maybe it sounded a little too harsh. 

Minsoo’s smile faded quickly. She looked sad now.

„What?“, I asked her because she kept starring at me like a puppy with her huge blue eyes.

„I don’t even know what your problem is.“, she started. „I thought you liked him and it seems that he liked you too. So why wouldn’t you answer, if he texts you?!“

I had no real explanation for that. I thought Minsoo would understand. But she didn’t. Life wasn’t as easy as it might seem. And things between me and Taejung weren’t easy at all. There was too much between us, too much each of us would lose if we were together. 

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kpopobsession.com

Clover goes on an unfollowing spree on her instagram

Model Clover gained quite a lot of fans, not only showing in her amount of instagram followers (@Clover_x98). Many of them were heartbroken after the news of her breakup with Taejung went viral and wouldn’t believe the rumors.

But Clover seems to confirm the breakup by unfollowing not only Taejung, but all of the other Level Five members as well on instagram. Though none of L5 unfollowed her (yet).

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I woke up the next morning, my head feeling heavy and my sight was blurry. I had no memory of anything happening last night. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself inside a bright room, which I had never seen before. Immediately my body reacted and I started panicking. But I wasn’t able to move yet. I took some deep breaths and tried to remember something. 

I let my eyes observe my surroundings. I was inside some apartment. The furniture looked expensive and most of the stuff in here was black or white. I saw my dress hanging over a chair close to the window and shrugged. My body was covered with a soft blanket and I was wondering what I was wearing underneath it.

A door to my right opened, the bathroom door, and a man stepped into the room. He had a towel around his hips, and rubbed his hair with another one. His bare upper body was still wet from his morning shower and displayed a set of muscles. 

„Oh you’re awake already.“, he said. He was a friendly looking man, probably in his mid twenties. But what the heck was I doing here?!

„Who are you?“, I asked. I grabbed my blanket as if it could protect me from the man.

„My name is Junyoung.“, he grinned. Was he making fun of me?

„Why am I here?“, I wanted to know. I wanted to be tough but my hands started to shake. Junyoung sat down on the other half of the bed and looked at me, still grinning.

„You don’t remember a thing, huh?“, he asked.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t want to admit it.

„Please just answer my question.“, I said. I felt sick. I wanted to leave this place, I was scared and I still didn’t know what had happened.

„I took you here.“, Junyoung then said.

I had enough of his grin. I climbed out of his bed, finding out I was wearing a white shirt, which was probably his.

„Listen!“, I said grumpy. „I have no clue who you are, why I’m here or what you did to me. So either you tell me exactly what happened or I call the cops.“

Junyoung’s expression remained the same. „I’m not sure if I should be offended that you don’t know me. After all we spent the night together.“, he said and rose from the bed. He walked over to a giant closet and started to search for something to wear.

„What?“, was all I could say.

„Don’t worry, okay?“, he said and sighed. He then started walking towards me.

„Don’t come any closer.“, I said and backed off. „Stay where you are.“

„Why are you so afraid?“, he asked. Something soft sneaked into his voice.

Tears started to fill up my eyes. „Because it’s frightening if you wake up somewhere with some man and don’t know how you got there or what might have happened to you.“, I pressed over my lips.

„Okay, okay, okay. Don’t cry.“, he said. „Just sit down and I’ll explain everything to you.“

I wasn’t sure if I should listen, but it was probably the only chance to get out of this quickly.

I took my seat on the bed, still wearing his shirt, which was surprisingly really comfortable.

Junyoung walked back to the closet and finally put on something over his half naked body. 

„You weren’t feeling well yesterday.“, he started. „I mean at that party. It was a lame party so maybe that’s why. I mean really that music? Whoever put together that playlist is a total dumbass. And have you seen all those kiddies, no offense, but I felt like I was on a birthday party or something like a sweet sixteen. By the way is that show still running? I loved it. That one time the girl wanted to celebrate on a boat, but she was afraid of water, can you imagine someone, who’s afraid of water, celebrating on a boat? It was hilarious.“, he babbled.

„Junyoung!“, I interrupted him.

He looked at me questioningly. 

„I wanted to know what happened yesterday and not the plot of some TV show.“, I said.

„Oh, right. Sorry, I tend to lose the thread.“, he said and smiled at me. 

I wasn’t scared anymore. Whoever he was his first impression wasn’t too bad after all. He seemed like a nice person, but rapists could probably be nice too…

„Anyhow, you weren’t feeling well and I sort of ran into you. You couldn’t tell me what was wrong and you said all your friends already left. You wined something about telling the truth and that you wanted to go home. When I asked you to take you to your dorm you didn’t want to and then you sort of passed out. That’s why I took you here.“

„Why am I wearing your shirt?“, I asked. I believed his story because it sounded like me. Although I didn’t know what caused me passing out. That was unusual. Unless Mr. Kwon had something to do with it. 

Junyoung shrugged his shoulders. „I thought it would be more comfortable than your dress.“

I didn’t even want to ask how he got me into his shirt.

„Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll make some breakfast.“, he suggested.

I looked at him for a moment. I tried to sort my feelings. I was afraid in the beginning but now I wasn’t anymore. Even though Junyoung was a stranger, he didn’t feel like one. 

„I just tell my friends that I’m okay, in case they worry.“, I said and looked for my purse.

Junyoung apparently knew what I was looking for. He got up went over to the couch and came back with my bag. 

A kidnapper would probably not hand me my phone on his own. Not only Minsoo had texted me quite a lot, also Taejung sent some messages. I didn’t read them but tried to ignore them. Instead I sent a quick message to Minsoo to tell her I was fine and that I would be back in the dorm soon. 

After I took a shower in Junyoung’s bathroom, I put on my dress and went to the small kitchen place where Junyoung prepared some rice and eggs. 

„Here, have some.“, he said and put a bowl on the counter. „I usually don’t cook, but since you’re here I thought why not. I spend all my money on food. Really I go out all the time.“

„But your kitchen looks so nice.“, I said and took a spoon full of rice.

„That’s because it’s pretty much unused.“, Junyoung said and winked. „I can drive you home after we finished eating.“, he said.

„That would probably be a good idea. I’m not sure if my manager would be too pleased if he finds out where I am.“, I replied.

     Junyoung handed me a jacket of his and we went down with the elevator. I knew this building, it was famous for some celebrities that lived here. And of course there were paparazzi in front of the entrance. 

I immediately stopped walking. 

„What’s up?“, Junyoung asked. He had his hands inside his pockets and waited for me to come.

„Do we have to go out there?“, I wanted to know.

„You’ll be fine.“, he said.

I was glad to finally get into the car. 

I knew there would be some sort of article about me. But I decided to not care. There had been so many stupid articles about me, one more or less wouldn’t change anything.

„I need to tell you something.“, Junyoung said when we arrived at my dorm. „This was all set up by Mr. Kwon. I’m sorry. I owed him. I had no other choice than doing it.“, he said and looked at me. He searched for my gaze and when he caught it his expression became even stronger.

„I sort of thought so already.“, I said.

„You did?“, he seemed surprised.

„I never drink at parties, so it had so be something else that made feel the way I felt yesterday. I’m just glad it was only you who took me home and not someone really crazy.“

„I see.“, Junyoung said. I could hear the pity inside his voice. „I’m not even supposed to tell you that, you know. He wanted me to convince you that I slept with you.“

„Thank you, that you told me anyway. I know Mr. Kwon is not someone you want to betray.“

Junyoung nodded. „I’m glad you understand. And again, I’m sorry.“, he sighed.

I got out of his car and went into the building, taking the stairs up to my dorm.

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kpopobsession.com

Clover preferring older men?

Does model Clover already have a new man? Or might he be the reason for the recent breakup with ex boyfriend Taejung?

This afternoon the model was spotted leaving the Waterfall building with no other than singer Jung Junyoung. Apparently the two left the Rookies party that was held on friday night together. Insiders say the two looked really close and that Clover left with Junyoung in his car.

This was confirmed when Clover was again seen with Junyoung today, leaving his apartment.

Fans are shocked and accuse the model of cheating on Taejung. Although there is no proof Clover and Junyoung have met before. The rock singer just recently came back from L.A., where he worked on his new album. 

Clover’s reputation is quite controversial. The young model gets a lot of hate because she’s supposedly flirting with men for fame. The accusation started when Clover started dating Taejung. Levelers claimed she was only dating him, because Level Five was having their comeback, which drew a lot of attention to the band and Clover. The next case was actor Kang Sihyun, who just confirmed to have a role in the upcoming drama ‚At the end of the rainbow‘. Jung Junyoung might be the third victim that Clover is using for getting in the media. The singer is supposed to have his comeback in about a month.

comment box

jujuhallyu:
stupid bitch…i don’t even get why all the guys fall for her…she’s so 

fake and plastic. poor Taejung…

Reply 638 Likes

leafarimchan:

This is so ridiculous!! You guys are so stupid, if you believe everything

on the internet. Clover and Sihyun simply attended the same charity

event. Talking isn’t hooking up!! I don’t know what happened with her

and Junyoung. If she really spent the night, this is sort of awkward. He’s

so much older than her… But still her and Taejung aren’t together 

anymore, so she can do whatever she wants.

Reply 259 Likes

polly26:

@leafarimchan you’re totally right. Just because someone writes it, it 

doesn’t have to be true. And btw, insiders? who’s supposed to be that?!

Reply 67 Likes

rababaL5:

i think it’s just really sad. i started to like her cause TJ seemed to

happy with her. i liked the way he was smiling when he was with

her. i don’t know their reasons for breaking up, but i really hope

it wasn’t cause of Junyoung. he’s way too old for her :(

#Taever

Reply 143 Likes

dabsterzero:

kkk u should stop defend her. she’s a hoe!

Reply 42 Likes

rubinsarang:

i don’t think Junyoung would do something like that. he’s 9 yrs

older than her. i think they have more like a uncle-niece

relationship. don’t just judge her without considering the other

side.

Reply 185 Likes

polly26:

@rubinsarang exactly! I can imagine Clover doing something

like that, but I can’t imagine Junyoung. 

Reply 34 Likes

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© all rights reserved || copyright by J.J.B. allejmoon.blogspot.com

RETOUCHED - Chapter 8 - Save Yourself

I caught myself listening to Level Five’s new album on repeat. It was the only way to hear Taejung’s voice. He still hadn’t messaged me. Of course I could have made the first step and called him, but I didn’t want to get on his nerves. Maybe he was really busy and didn’t find any time to call me or text me. 

The chorus of Coffee Kiss got interrupted by my ring tone. My entire body jerked and my phone almost dropped out of my hands. 

Disappointment when it wasn’t Taejung’s name that appeared on the screen, but some unknown number.

„Hello?“, I answered the call without hesitation.

„Hello? Clover?“, a male voice said my name.

„Yes?“

„Ah great! This is Yoo Han.“, he said.

It was the producer a bell rang inside my head. And finally I recognized his voice.

„Oh, hi, Mr. Yoo.“, I said in surprise. I sat on my bed covered by my warm blanket.

Mr. Yoo laughed on the other end of the line. „I’m glad I could reach you. I have good news for you. At least I hope they’re good news.“, he giggled. „You really impressed Sihyun and he wants to work with you. So how about meeting you tomorrow to see you for some test scenes.“

„Test scenes?“, I asked. I was a little worried I might screw up.

„It’s no big deal. We just want to see you in front of the camera and together with Sihyun. There’s really not much you can do wrong.“

„Oh, okay.“, I answered. I couldn’t imagine they would pick me without a casting. What if I was a horrible actor?

„So I see you tomorrow? I already sent Mr. Kwon all the details.“, Mr. Yoo said. 

I was too overwhelmed to realize what he just told me. If this would work out, I would get a part in a drama next to a really famous actor. I was pretty much one of the luckiest people on earth. 

I automatically opened my chat window with Taejung. I wanted to share the good news with him, but I couldn’t. 

The excitement that had taken me was gone already. I sank back into my pillows, sighing. I starred onto the last thing Taejung had texted me - a small emoji face with a bright smile. I didn’t feel like smiling. All of the sudden, I got really mad. He could’ve said something. Even if it was only to tell me, that he wasn’t feeling the same. I thought that I deserved to know. But maybe this was his way of telling me, I should not keep my hopes up. I’ve never been a negative person. I always hoped for the best and it always proved to be the right way. But right now I wished I could just forget him. I wanted this weird confusion out of my life. I liked him way too much to not be devastated if he would turn me down. And I started to doubt whether it was a good or bad idea to have told him my feelings. 

Again I sighed. A hopeless situation like all the situations including Taejung. Maybe we weren’t meant to be. We were only struggling since the beginning. We couldn’t be together. I knew it all along. But I simply didn’t want to face the reality. He was someone, who didn’t fit into my new life. I needed to betray people and I needed to lie - two things I didn’t want to involve Taejung in. I had decided to cold-shoulder him. What had happened to that plan… my feelings totally ruined everything. But the worst part was, that Taejung was probably hurting much more than I was, when he would find out the truth about me. I had gone too far to step out of it. I opened up and let him in and at the same time I wanted him to open up too. Although I really needed him to like be back, a small part inside of my body wished he would never call me again. That part wished he didn’t like me and that he wouldn’t be effected by any of my lies. 

I had a rough time sleeping that night. It was just one of those nights were you would lay awake, stare at the ceiling, the head full of thoughts but none of them was tangible.

I was lacking sleep, but sat already in the car on my way to the KBS studios to meet up with the crew of ‚At the end of the rainbow‘. I wasn’t exactly nervous, but that was probably only due to my head which was trying to shut down and find some rest.

The KBS studios were huge. I’ve seen them before from afar, when we were driving somewhere. But it was much more impressive, standing right on front of it. It reminded me of the rollercoasters in Everland, which reminded me of Taejung.

„What’s wrong?“, Mr. Kwon asked because he had noticed my sad face.

„Nothing.“, I quickly said. 

Mr. Kwon didn’t ask any further questions. Instead he roughly put his hand onto my shoulder and pushed me into the building. 

I’ve never been to an actual set. I’ve only seen sets for music videos or commercials. But that was nothing in comparison to what was right in front of me. There were actual rooms, parts of houses and streets build up inside the studios. I felt like a character inside of a computer game.

„Hey, Clover.“, a voice said and Sihyun appeared at my side.

„Hey.“, I said and found my smile again. 

„Let me show you around a little before we start.“, he said. „Oh, and let me take that.“, he added and reached for my bag. He also took my jacket and carried them on our way to the dressing room.

„This will be your dressing room.“, he glared at me. Sihyun wore a white shirt, which was almost as white as his skin. His black hair was a bit messy and he constantly ran his hands through it to get some of the streaks out of his forehead and eyes.

„You mean if I get the part.“, I said to devalue his statement.

Sihyun squinted his eyes in amusement. „You don’t seem too sure that you will get the part, I hear.“

I shrugged my shoulders. 

Sihyun silently looked at me for a while. „Anyway, let me show you your future room.“, he said and put the hugest smile onto his lips.

     After we left my stuff inside the dressing room, Sihyun and I wandered around the set. He explained some of the sceneries and we finished off our tour in Nari’s room. The walls were painted white, except for one of them, which was covered with a paper with turquoise and silver stripes. Everything was so well put together. The pillows on the bed matched the color of the wallpaper perfectly. And also I found some small details inside the shelves of Nari’s desk. 

„Do you like it?“, Sihyun asked. He stood inside the fake doorframe and watched me as I observed every corner of the room. 

„It’s beautiful.“, I said and couldn’t hide the astonishment inside my voice.

„Ah, Clover!“, Mr. Yoo appeared behind Sihyun. „I see Sihyun already showed you our set. What do you say? Can you imagine working with us?“

„Of course!“, I replied. He must have been kidding. As if this wasn’t the opportunity of my life.

„Shall we go over the script?“, Mr. Yoo asked.
Together we went over to a free area. A lot of people were running around, carrying cables or other heavy objects. 

„I took a small scene out of the script that I would want you guys to play. And don’t worry, Clover, Sihyun hasn’t seen the scene either, so he doesn’t have any advantage.“, he said smiling.

Mr. Yoo handed us both a script and told us to read through it together before we would have to present it in front of the crew. 

Since my tiredness was wearing off, I started to feel nervous. I actually really wanted this role. I never exactly thought of being an actress. Mostly because I never considered myself a good actor. I had no fact for thinking so, but acting seemed like something so big for me. And I wanted to keep my goals within reachable distance. 

     „The scene is actually set in front of your house. We don’t have a background for that here. We will film it in front of an actual house and also some of the rooms will be part of Nari’s house then. 

After one hour of practicing our scene, Sihyun and I were taking our positions in front of the team. I took some deep breaths and sank into the role of Nari.

„You can use your script if you want to.“, Mr. Yoo said.

„We don’t need it.“, Sihyun grinned. 

„Okay then. Let’s start. Ready when you are.“

     I noticed how Sihyun’s expression changed as he became Kyuyoung.

„Where have you been? I was waiting for you.“, he started our scene.

I only looked at him, my face with no expression.

„Where you with him?“, he wanted to know, letting some bitterness into his voice.

„Why do you even care?“, I asked back.

A little bit of a shock sneaked onto his face, playing around the corners of his mouth. „Do you really need to ask this? Are my intentions that unsure to you?“, his voice started to get shaky.

„You stood me up a million times, so why make such a big deal out of it, if for once I don’t show up.“, I threw into his face.

„Because you were with him.“, he said and balled his fists. 

„How would you know?“, I countered.

„I can see it in your eyes. I can still see that small sparkle that he left behind. Do you think I don’t notice the way you look at him.“, Sihyun now said with a much softer voice.

My character was speechless.

„It hurts so much every time I see you two. I feel like I’m loosing you more each day. You’re slipping away right before my eyes and I can’t even do anything about it.“, he continued.

„Then why aren’t you letting me go already?“, I wanted to know. Pain crawled into my voice and I felt like choking. Nari herself wasn’t sure if she should say what she just said. It was such a cruel thing to say to her fiancé. 

Sihyun’s eyes started to fill up with tears. „Why are you doing this to me? Why are you throwing it all away? I know we had a rough time lately, but don’t you remember the good times?“

„There are no good times.“, I replied and looked on the ground. Tears started to push against my eyes and I wasn’t able to look at Sihyun anymore. 

My words made Sihyun burst out sobbing. „Don’t say that.“, he cried.

I shook my head. „You should go.“, I said.

„Please, Nari. Please. Don’t throw our future away.“, he begged, which gave me the rest and the tears started to run down my cheeks like small waterfalls.

I finally looked into Sihyun’s face again. „Why don’t you see that you already threw it away before I was even able to.“, I said, trying to pull myself together.

„I would never.“, he said and shook is head. He stepped forward, grabbed me by the shoulders and forced me to look him into the eyes. „You are the most precious thing in my life. I won’t let you go so easily.“, he stated. „Just let me fight for you. Give me a chance to prove you I mean every word I say.“, he finished. His hands wandered to my neck, carefully his thumbs stroke over my cheeks. It was a soft and caring touch and shivers ran down my back. 

„Just don’t give up on me yet.“, he whispered.

     Applause brought me back into reality. 

„This was amazing.“, Mr. Yoo said and came over to us. Sihyun let go of me and I shook of my role.

„How was it for you?“, he asked looking at me. I had to admit I had totally forgotten I was playing a scene in front of all those people. I felt like I was in a different world, where none of those workers were existent. 

„It was intense.“, I answered laughing and dried my face.

„It was!“, Mr. Yoo agreed. „I totally felt the chemistry between you two. I got goosebumps, no kidding.“

I was inside the dressing room to get my jacket and bag when my feelings overwhelmed me. Somehow my scene with Sihyun brought back what I was trying to forget regarding Taejung. I felt like I was the one thrown away by him. I tried to convince myself that this might not even be the case, since he hasn’t said anything yet. But the more days passed by, the more sure I got that his silence meant he didn’t like me and just didn’t know how to tell me.

Sihyun appeared behind me. I quickly wiped away my tears, but he had already seen them.

„What is wrong?“, he asked and seemed honestly worried. 

„It’s nothing. Really.“, I said and tried to smile.

Sihyun sat next to me and leaned forward. „Shouldn’t you be happy, that you got the part?“, he asked. 

„I am.“

„Then what made you cry just now?“, Sihyun asked. His voice was settle, giving me the feeling I could trust him.

„The scene just reminded me of something.“, I finally said. 

Sihyun didn’t answer right away, but looked at me with a searching face.

„You have a boyfriend, right?, he then said. 

„Huh?“, I asked in surprise. 

„Is everything okay between you guys? Are you in a fight or something?“, Sihyun wanted to know. I knew he was only trying to help but I didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to lie another time.

„No, nothing like that.“, I answered.

Sihyun nodded but he didn’t seem satisfied with my short answer. „He’s in Level Five, right?!“

I nodded.

Sihyun sighed and leaned back in his chair. „And he’s in Japan now for their tour.“, he said and it didn’t sound like a question. „It must be hard for you not being able to see him. But you’re probably texting like crazy and talk over the phone.“

I shook my head and looked onto the ground. I felt really stupid discussing my fake relationship with someone I barely knew.

„What?“, Sihyun asked in disbelief.

„It’s complicated.“, I stated.

„It’s never complicated unless you let it.“, he said with a serious undertone.

I looked up and searched for Sihyun’s glance. 

„If I were you, I would just text him. Even if he doesn’t find the time answering you all the time, don’t you think he would be happy to see that you think of him?!“

I thought about Sihyun’s words while I was in the car on my way to Elbi Entertainment. Mr. Kwon had to leave early because of some meeting and I was supposed to meet up with him after that.

I came to the conclusion that Sihyun’s advice would probably work if Taejung and I were in fact a real couple. But since we weren’t, I wasn’t too sure if Taejung would really be happy to be spammed with messages by me.

I walked up the stairs of the lobby to get to Mr. Kwon’s office when I already heard his voice sounding. He was yelling and seemed really angry. 

I ran up the stairs and sneaked closer to his office door. 

„Why didn’t you do, what I told you to.“, he yelled. 

But I heard no one answering so I assumed he was talking on the phone.

„Good for you that I already got the pictures.“, he said. „I don’t care what the system does and what not. Those pictures are not allowed to leak. It would be a total mess. How should I use them if they find out they’re from you.“

I had no idea what he was talking about, but it didn’t sound too good. I decided to go into the lounge which was located next to Mr. Kwon’s office to get a better ear and not be caught in case he would open the door and storm into the hallway. 

„I know, but it’s not my problem. Fix it yourself and keep me out of it.“, Mr. Kwon said. „Yes, I already have the pictures on my computer. It’s too risky to have them duplicated, you know that.“, he said and seemed to calm down. „That Taejung won’t survive this.“

I really wanted to know what those pictures were he was talking about. I waited a little more, until I heard Mr. Kwon leave his office. I listened to his footsteps echoing through Elbi. When I was assure he was far enough, I rushed out of the lounge, opened Mr. Kwon’s office and went straight to his computer. 

I startled when I saw what was on the pictures he was apparently talking about. They were pictures of me with bruises. My entire face was covered with blue and red marks that looked like I’ve been in a serious accident. 

‚That Taejung won’t survive this‘ it sounded inside my head and all of the sudden I knew what Mr. Kwon was planning on doing. My heart stopped beating and I felt like I was about to pass out. 

I snapped out of my delusion fast enough. I had to be quick if I wanted to be out of Mr. Kwon’s office before he came back.

I closed the pictures and dragged the folder into the trash bin. Then I also deleted the bin. I opened Mr. Kwon’s email account, which he was already logged into. The first mail seemed suspicious enough for me to open it and indeed it was the mail with the files. I deleted everything in every folder to make sure Mr. Kwon would not be able to restore any of the files. Though I wasn’t sure if whoever had created those pictures, would simply be able to do it again. 

     I chased to the door and when I reached the hallway Mr. Kwon stood right in front of me. My eyes widened and I started panicking. I began to run towards the stairs as fast as I could. Maybe I should’ve just acted like nothing had happened, since my reaction caused Mr. Kwon to check on his computer. When he saw what I did he stuck to me heels. 

Mr. Kwon was way too fast for me and grabbed my sweater on the isle of the stairs.

„What have you done?!“, he yelled. 

My entire body tensed. His grip was really strong and he almost lifted me off of the ground. 

„Do you know what you just did?!“, he screamed. He didn’t wear his shades, which made me see his black frightening eyes. 

I always thought he was more normal without his shades. He seemed to be crazy whenever he wore his blue sunglasses but serious when he took them off. But maybe he was just crazy after all.

I gathered all my courage. „I know what you want to do to Taejung and I won’t let that happen.“, I spitted out.

Mr. Kwon bared his teeth. He pushed me backwards to the edge of the staircase. Just one more step and I would fall down the marble stairs. He wouldn’t need photoshopped bruises after that.

„You are a pain in the neck.“, he murmured. „You really fell for him, you stupid girl.“, he continued. I stood still and hoped for someone to interrupt him and help me. I was really afraid Mr. Kwon would push me down the stairs. I haven’t forgotten that he was the one giving me that weird drink at the album release. I knew what he was capable of. 

„You are just a stupid kid and you have to follow my instructions. There’s nothing complicated about that. But you manage to screw up over and over again.“, he yelled and drops of his spit covered my cheeks. 

„I’m not screwing up.“ I defended myself. „You’re instructions suck.“

„What did you just say?!“. Maybe I shouldn’t have said the last bit, because now Mr. Kwon seemed to be really furious now. 

„I’m a manager for almost half of my life and you dare to judge me? Who is the one who made you famous? Did my instructions suck then too?“, he yelled and shook me. 

I was trying to reach for his arms to get a hold of something. If he would let go of me right now, I would fall backwards. 

„Joosuk!“, a voice reached my head. „What are you doing?“, someone asked.

I saw a man running down the first half of the stairs until he reached us. He held his hands up in the air, as if he was about to tame a wild horse. 

„Don’t get into this.“, Mr. Kwon said.

„Joosuk, what are you trying to do?“, the man said. I didn’t know who he was. His face seemed familiar so he was probably some sort of employee here at Elbi. 

„I’m teaching this brat a lesson.“, he hissed. 

„Let go of Clover, Joosuk. You don’t want to harm her.“, the man tried to calm him down.

I noticed how he was slowly drawing closer, reaching his hand in my direction. I tried to move as little as possible, so Mr. Kwon wouldn’t register what I was doing. 

„I’m not too sure about that.“, Mr. Kwon said.

The next moment the man grabbed me and pulled me away from Mr. Kwon, who then squinted his eyes and starred at me as if he tried to kill me with his gaze.

„Calm down, Joosuk.“, the man said with a soft voice.

„How can I be calm if she’s ruining everything.“, he yelled again. 

I pressed my body to the handrail to bring as many space between me and Mr. Kwon as possible.

„You are ruining yourself.“, I countered.

„Not helping.“, the man hissed over his shoulder. 

Mr. Kwon stormed forward, his hands like claws trying to grab me. But the man pushed him back, protecting me. 

„Joosuk you’re behaving like a stubborn child. It’s embarrassing.“, the man said. 

Mr. Kwon kicked against the rail and finally sank onto the floor grappling his hair. 

„I will get that kid. Someday.“, he sputtered. 

Seeing Mr. Kwon like that scared me a lot. He seemed like he actually belonged into a mental hospital. He was totally crazy.

„Who is he talking about?“, the man asked me.

„Taejung.“, I said without hesitation. The more people knew Mr. Kwon was after him, the safer he was.

„Level Five’s Taejung, really?“, he didn’t seem too surprised though.

„Why does he hold such a grudge against him?“, I carefully asked. 

The man sighed. Mr. Kwon still sat on the isle of the stairs. He looked tired all of the sudden and his rage seemed to have faded. 

„Mr. Kwon wanted Level Five under his management. But other managers made them offers too. It seemed like they would sign under Mr. Kwon, but apparently Taejung sympathized with Mr. Park and convinced the rest of the members to sign with him instead. It was a severe blow for him back then, since he wanted to start over his career with the band.“, the man explained.

I could understand why Mr. Kwon would be mad at Taejung. But that was no reason for trying to ruin someone’s life.

I let Mr. Kwon and the man alone. I needed to get some fresh air and I needed to get far far away from Mr. Kwon. I knew this wouldn’t be over just yet. 

I ran outside the building pass the paparazzi and took off on my own. I had no nerve to be stuck inside the car and I didn’t want to go back to my dorm either. 

I had to get a clear mind. And I somehow had to get out of that contract with Mr. Kwon. I just had no clue how that worked. 

The dial tone roared into my ears. I had found some rest in a nearby park. It was already dark outside so it was somewhat safe for me to run around. I sat against a tree, the cold grass beneath me.

„Hello?“, Taejung finally answered the phone.

„Hi, I need to talk to you.“, I said straight forward. 

„Is everything alright?!“, Taejung asked. His voice made my heart break. 

Tears pushed against my eyes. „We need to break up.“, I said and tried to retain a strong voice.

„What are you talking about?“, he wanted to know.

„I cannot explain right now, but we can’t stick with this fake relationship.“, I said.

„Is it because…“, he said but I interrupted him: „Taejung, please“, I said. „You have to trust me, we need to end this. I just have no idea how you do something like that.“, I started crying.

„Clover, what happened?“, he asked. 

I saw his image right in front of me and it made it so awfully hard to push him away. But I had to, or else he would get hurt. 

„Everything’s going to be fine. You just need to break up with me.“, I pressed over my lips. „Can you do this for me?“

„If you want me to.“, Taejung said. I heard disappointment inside his voice. But I hoped I was only imagining it.

I hung up and closed my eyes to fight against the tears. I didn’t want to cry again. This day had been full of crying and disappointments. I couldn’t even be happy about my part in Yoo Han’s drama anymore, because everything else was weighing down on me. I rested my head against the stem of the tree and tried to forget what my life was like. I felt horrible and alone. Exhausted and sad. But mostly desperate. 

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