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Scene: 20

Dating the brand

Settings: Downtown LA

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The LA sun was shining bright on the sparkling skyscraper where their US-based PR company was located. Hobi sighed deeply as he stepped out from his sleek black SUV; his presence was effortlessly cool. He was dressed in a crisp white designer T-shirt and black wash jeans that fit his lanky body well. A pair of yellow-tinted glasses that made him look like he just walked out of a magazine.

He exudes a calm confidence, his bodyguards and managers ready to escort him into the glass skyscrapers. Fans that unexpectedly noticed him eagerly started to scream and yell out his name in excitement.

His manager, Hobeom, and lead bodyguard, Mr. Lee, knew that this wasn't just a normal, routine meeting.

Inside the US PR headquarters, the rich, opulent boardroom was buzzing with unspoken tension. As they entered, three PR executives turned from their shiny, polished oak table. At the far end sat a stern, professional white woman, named Madeline Law, approximately in her late fifties, whose platinum white hair was streaked with bold pink streaks. Her glasses slipped from her nose as she greeted professionally, with a slight, tight smile. Her eyes roamed calculatedly over the superstar, who was the cause of so much stress lately.

Then at the head was a blonde man, Cameron Carter, in his early forties; in front of him was an open laptop. The table had just glasses of water. He wore a suit and a very expensive Rolex. He was the voice in the room. He was calm and collected. Unlike the stress that was etched on Madeline's face. Then next to her was Park Eli, the third executive, who sat leaning back in his chair, sleeves rolled up and arms folded. He had sharpness and was a dark-haired Korean-American. He was poised, but his whole demeanor shows that he was a straightforward and blunt, no-nonsense guy.

His eyes were very observant, quietly judging and tracking every stiff reaction of the K-pop idol.

Madeline was the one who started it first. She cleared her throat, her dark, stormy grey eyes looked Hobi square in the eyes, "Hobi , we are all here because we care about you, your well-being, your brand, and your reputation." Her voice was soft but firm. "Your safety is important, and this dating rumor—it's spreading very fast. We as your PR team must try to control the story before it controls you."

Hobi sat with furrowed brows and his arms outstretched.

Cameron nodded. "Bang PD has stressed that the priority right now is your total focus on your tour and tour activities right now. Right now you're the focus, Hobi. Any distraction might derail what has been planned for months. We're here to help you manage it.

Hobi audibly inhaled as he shifted in his seat, his chiseled jaws clenched as he listened to the executives' heavy words. He didn't respond but just listened.

Eli added sharply, his voice soft, "Hobi, we know how vicious the Korean media and local citizens are. If you are really dating this girl, they'll eat you both alive. As you are aware, the Hybe HQ received nearly 100 funeral wreaths from our PR branch in Seoul. Netizens were feral." Her voice became very soft, but it was a warning. "Hobi, it's not about the truth anymore."

Madeline nodded, "We need to send out a Meduza press statement. Keep it a simple statement. Deny any involvement. We say you are not dating her. She was one of the random winners of the VIP tickets, a special image with the superstar. That the secret VIP ticket draw also included a dinner or so. We need to protect both of you. NDA is not targeted yet, but the public wants answers. And if you carry on seeing her, the fans will be convinced that the dating rumor is true. She will get backlash, get harassment, or worse, and you do realize it."

Hobi just pursed his lips.

Elis' voice was sharp, "I feel the only solution right now is for you to have to break up quietly...you have to, Jung Hoseok. You have a responsibility to your fans. ARMY expects you to be accountable and...available and to be single. It keeps the illusion of your idol status. Your image must be kept untouchable."

Hobi's eyes widen as he flashes in pure frustration, "What the hell! With all due respect, sir, I'm over thirty. I'm not a child anymore. I want to live like a real person---I am a real person with feelings, emotions, wants, and desires. I have to think about my future."

The tension in the room was palpable. Hobi was inwardly seething. This is truly the side of the idol life he loathes. This aspect of idol life is what he truly loathes. It's not to dictate to you. He wont let anyone tell him what to do, when, and whom he must date.

Eli tried to soothe the mood as he interjected, "Hobi, we don't want to force you to do anything---"

Hobi, with a little sarcasm,"Arent you doing it right now?" He retorted back, clearly agitated.

It truly seemed that they wanted to force him to act.

Cameron interjected, "We just need to work on this reality. Hobi, the plan is to let everything settle down. Divert the attention of the media away from you. Let them concentrate on your other projects. Photographing you during your street shoots for Bangtantv and behind-the-scenes reels. Your attendance at the NBA. We need to keep your fans and the general public happy."

Madeline's eyes soften as she notices the conflict in Hobis' demeanor. "Look, this is all about protecting 'your friend.' If your friend is seen as the reason you are distracted or hiding something. The fans will smell it out and tear her apart online. We know how brutal and damaging netizen trolls can be. If you can just take a stance. Denial can protect her. No one will follow, pay attention, or write anything about her. Which means...you can't be seen with her. Under no circumstances."

Cameron sighed deeply as he slid a Manila folder towards Hobi. He had his screen open, and a whole file marked confidential was lit on the screen with an image of a girl who looked like Ahri.

"As you know...the procedure is the same as we did with Jungkook's rumored girlfriend. We did thorough background checks on Dr. Kang. She's clean, with no public dating or relationship scandals, no criminal record, an academic—a college graduate with a PhD in psychology. Some charity work involvement, boring church girl type. Good family legacy—Dad director in US intelligence, Mom attorney at reputable firm. Like she kept her life low profile...until you met her. Honestly, she is really boring, and that is what we need...we can erase her quickly from the story...easier to protect her." Cameron informed the superstar, who looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Erase her? They want to erase what destiny has gifted him with.

Inside the folder was an NDA, almost like a non-public acknowledgement, almost the exact form of a non-disclosure agreement. It was a clear outline of strict legal clauses that will be monitoring every appearance and a plan in case the media ever confirm their relationship.

Eli folded his arms across his torso. Working with stubborn K-pop idols was always his pet peeve. That is why he decided to come back from a corrupt agency in Korea to work in the USA at a very prestigious PR company hired by HYBE.

"Hoseok," Eli said a little softer," if...you confirm your relationship and you are planning to see her, whether we approve or not, this will be the only plan. You will refrain from posting photos, any relationship hints, or even being seen together, like your dinner in Koreatown, museum dates, and your breakfast a week ago in a Chicago cafe. You must live two separate lives..."

Hobi's eyes flashed in disbelief, his shoulders started to tense up, and clenching his fist as he clutched the document in his hands, he said, "You want me to lie? Pretend she's nothing to me?"

The room was suddenly filled up in silence. No one was contradicting him. Hobis' lips were pursed when his eyes scanned the document.

Cameron runs his fingers through his dirty blonde hair. He looks weary. "We're giving you options. It's your choice, Hobi. But we need to be realistic. Media agencies are making more money off your 'encounters.' We had to quench fires, and you're not making it easy for us by staying silent."

Eli sighed, "Hoseok...is she worth your career and popularity? Fans love the unattainable and your singlehood. That is what sells concert tickets...a lot. Think about it."

The three executives rose, gathering their tablets, laptops, and notes.

The two male execs already nodded and headed for the huge wooden door as Hobi's wary eyes followed them out.

The lady, Madeline, had soft eyes, and a deep smirk laced her pink-coated lips. He looks at her inquiringly.

Madeline turned to Hobi and patted him on the shoulder. "Hobi...I know love when I see it. As a mother and a woman who lost her soulmate to cancer five years ago, I believe you have to put up a fight to keep what is genuine. In this industry it's difficult for entertainers to find authenticity and genuine connections. If she is worth it...fight for her, and I'll make sure to help you around it. Just read the clause, and take your time. We'll be outside while you decide what our next step of action will be."

Hobi smiled softly at her as she just grinned and walked out, leaving him pondering over the legal document.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Hobi sat quietly and in solitude in the opulent boardroom. His eyes roam outside to the huge LA skylines that look so vast , but his heart and his world feel narrow and constricted.

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Scene: 21

Off the record

Setting: Alone in boardroom

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His eye turned back to the document that lay screaming in front of him. It felt like a crossroad between the life he wanted and envisioned and the life they demanded from him. This wasn't just another PR or company strategy; this was personal.

He had always known the rules when he signed on the dotted line. Stay silent...stay spotless...stay single.

Hobi remained seated at the end of the polished oak table, elbows on the wood, his fingers laced together in front of his mouth. The silence seems deafening and loud. He could only hear faint sounds of the traffic outside and the click of heels outside on the polished floors.

His yellow-tinted glasses lay forgotten next to the NDA.

He could feel his chest tighten as his PR's voices still ran in his ears: deny, break up, disappear, be single for fans. He felt like a character in a fanfic written by a PR executive, not like a man with a heart.

But for the first time in his life, he has fallen deeply and truly in love. With a girl , Ahri. It wasn't a fleeting fling or passing infatuation. Ahri was home...peace...future.

His portrait whisperer.

Who caught his immediate attention when she lay on that shiny museum floor, broken heel and ranting about how unfair life was to an animate portrait, Mona Lisa?

She was unlike anyone he had met before—grounded, sincere, and effortlessly warm. For him it was love at first sight. Ahri was not caught up in the world of fame and social media likes and followers. She was not even impressed with his celebrity status. She didn't chase his name. She truly saw him as Jung Hoseok. She laughed at his dry jokes, stayed up late on the phone with him before his shows, and comforted and encouraged him when anxiety wanted to overshadow him. Standing as a silent strength behind him. That is Ahri, who meant the world to him. She's the one, not a distraction, not a scandal, but a promise.

And he had promised her that he wouldn't run for the hills...not from the public , not from the hate, not from any storm that will come their way.

He wanted to build a life with her, a real one. A future with shared mugs, late-night walks, or laughing freely on the beach, loving her as his future wife. Her bearing his name. Starting a family with her.

He wants to create a future away from the blaring spotlight, cameras, charts, or screaming fans.

How on earth can he deny her?

He stared down at the folder once again, his eyes scanning the brutal options, the conditions, and the cold strategy to protect his image.

Option one: Signed the NDA. Pretend she meant nothing. Keep her close like a secret shame to keep fans happy. At the cost of honesty, freedom, and authenticity.

Option two: Break up. Deny everything. Forget her as if she never existed in his life and go back to the version of himself they all preferred—shiny, untouchable, and alone in misery.

Option three: Defy it all, take the risk , and let the truth seep its way through whatever resistance comes.

Hobi rubbed his eyes, sighed deeply, and exhaled a low breath. After a few minutes, he reached out for the folder and slid it neatly in his backpack. He wasn't ready to sign anything. He might never be ready.

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Scene : 22

Red flag in Chanel

Settings: Leaving

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Hobi opened the door as the three executives entered. He told them he will think about it and let the agency know. They just sighed and let him be.

With a little snort, he entered the elevator with Hobeam and a bodyguard who were patently waiting for him. As they exited the elevator, ready to leave through the glass doors, a beautiful woman approached them. She was poised, striking, and deliberate.

Hobi didn't notice her at first because he was engaged on his phone with Ahri. The woman was stunning—tall and slender in a tailored pastel pink designer Chanel suit with a matching handbag. Her long golden blonde hair was in perfect waves that cascaded down her shoulders, her makeup was flawless, and her crystal blue eyes were sparkling, adorned with very long black lashes. Her silver Jimmy Choo heels clicked confidently against the polished porcelain floors as she smiled warmly at Hobi.

"Oh, hi, sorry—Mr. Jung?" "Her American accent was smooth , almost too sultry." I'm Natasha Feldman. But Tasha for short. I'm the lead brand manager for Atelier Hair Care. We've been dying to work with you as our global ambassador face. You embody everything we want to showcase: elegance, youth, and power."

She extended her manicured hand , holding a glossy black and gold business card out to him.

Hobi accepted it with a forced, practiced smile, clearly forcing himself to be friendly despite his inner discomfort.

His manager quickly stepped forward, polite but firm. "Please direct any proposals to our agency directly and not through the artist."

But Natasha, or Tasha, wasn't flinching. Her bright, glossy smile stayed enchanting.

"I understand protocol, but maybe we...we could grab a friendly drink? Nothing formal, just at that cozy cafe down the block, discreetly, privately, no pressure." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping with a playful glint in her eyes. "I...loved to really connect before the suits got involved." She brushed over his hand gently.

Hobeam looked stern as Hobis's smile tightened, and every instinct in his body screamed with a quiet alarm! Inside him, something turned cold.

Red flag!

"Thank you, but my schedule is packed today," he said politely, handing the card to Hobeom without looking back at her. "Please reach out to the agency. They'll handle everything."

Tasha's smile, however, didn't fade; in fact, it widened instead, in a cute, sexy pout. "Er...of course. Think about it. I'll be in touch." She winked.

As she turned and sauntered away , swaying her hips in the process. Hobi looked at his team, who just shook their heads in disbelief. Hobeom scanned the glossy card with narrowed eyes. He looked again at the card and back to the retreating figure. He didn't say a word, just pulled out his phone and dialed, while the bodyguards made sure Hobi was safe leading to the awaiting vans.

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Scene : 23

The price of loving out loud

Settings: Penthouse Bliss

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Hours later, Hobi had just come out of his shower, his hair still damp. He was clothed in a Nike sweater and white shorts. His mind was still clouded with all the things that happened on this day.

He loves his small, cozy penthouse in the heart of LA. Open panoramic windows where the sunlight streams in in the morning hours.

He was just ready to make him some hazelnut cappuccino when his phone buzzed. It was Hobeom. He answered immediately.

"Hyung." Hobi answered cheerily.

There was a pause before Hobeom answered.

"You need to hear this. I checked the card. You were right to trust your gut," Hobeom said immediately without hesitation, his voice laced with tension. "I ran the card details. It's legit---it belongs to a senior brand rep. But the woman we saw wasn't her."

Hobi froze, his hand on the coffee maker. "What?!" His heart raced.

Hobeom exhaled deeply. "Yeah, I've cross-checked the staff photos, socials, and press appearances. The real Tasha Feldman is in New York—she posted a photo of herself at a gala event a few hours ago. The woman who approached you? No one at Atelier Hair co: knows who she is. Whoever she is, she used a stolen identity. That wasn't some pushy manager. I think... I think it's a setup."

Hobi felt his heart sink in shock. The implications of what Hobeom just uttered hit him square in the face.

A reporter? A stalker?

Hobeom's voice was softer to ease the blow. "It could be a reporter from some shady tabloid...or worse, a BTS anti, like someone that was hired by these shady companies to fabricate a scandal? Someone is trying to trap you, starting a scandal, maybe snapping a photo and manipulating it into something dirty. The boys have all had close calls lately. The girl stalker was found at Jungkook's house- claiming she's his secret girlfriend, V was photographed dining with another female idol, and even Jimin got implicated in a broken relationship of two idols in a committed relationship. Suga scooter incident, even Namjoon embracing a famous hip hop artist outside a hotel. Jin being loving to a strange girl at his cousins' wedding. I know these allegations were absurd. It's getting more aggressive even now that the boys discharge dates are closer."

Hobi sighed, "They are relentless."

Hobeom continued, "We've noticed the trend before. Company antis, tabloid spies. They are trying to catch one of you slipping before the rest are discharged. Suga is still dealing with the aftermath of the public scrutiny."

Hobi ran his hands over his face. He wasn't really that surprised, just tired and angry. He is so done looking behind his shoulder, wondering if every smile and handshake is genuine or just a setup.

"Thanks, hyung, keep digging. Let me know if you find something else. Tomorrow is my first show, and I need to be clear-headed." Hobi sighed.

Hobeom exhaled deeply, "Just be careful, Hobi. They are waiting for any crack. The emotions are getting high, and their eyes are everywhere. We can't afford to make any mistakes."

After the call, Hobi leaned back against the counter, looking out of the kitchen windows.

One thing is sure. They wanted to trap him, set him up, and tear him down.

But they won't win. Not this time because one thing is clear: he wasn't going to let Ahri go or hide her.

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A/n: Hobi is at a cross road.

Thank you so much for all your support, reads and votes. Please don't stay a silent reader. Let me acknowledge you in the 'For you' chapter.

1. What is your favourite scene?

2. What option do you think Hobi must take?

3. What's your take on the US PR company?

4. Do you think Hobi has a choice?

5. What do you think of the 'Chanel gir'?

6. What's your take on the hate train against the boys?

7. Do you think Hobi is a difficult Idol?