A quick reminder:
All the scenes that I wrote in this story are solely based in my imagination. Don't take it seriously.
Happy reading!
Third Person's Point of View
Karina sat rigidly on the couch, her face pale and eyes wide with horror as she stared at the television screen. Beside her, her manager shifted uncomfortably, glancing between Karina and the breaking news flashing across the screen.
Breaking News:
The former member of popular boy group Tomorrow X Together, Choi Yeonjun, has been found dead in his apartment yesterday evening.
Choi Yeon-jun, once celebrated as a rising star under Big Hit Entertainment, was part of the group that shot to fame for their music and strong fanbase. However, last year, as we remembered, the company confirmed that Yeonjun had struggled with drug-related issues, leading to a hiatus and rehabilitation program arranged by his agency.
Reports confirm that Yeonjun had completed his rehab and was officially released as clean just yesterday. Tragically, shortly after his release, he was discovered lifeless in his own house. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. However, they have noted that he was last spotted entering the SM Entertainment building recently, and it has been confirmed that the final person he contacted was the popular solo artist, Karina Yu. As of now, no further details have been released. Fans and the music community remain in shock over the sudden news.
The weight of the announcement hung heavy in the room, silencing everything but the broadcast.
Just as the news report ended, Karina's phone rang, cutting through the suffocating atmosphere.
Still caught in a daze, she unconsciously picked it up.
On the other end, Aeri's voice laced with concern and panic. "Unnie, are you okay? Where are you? I just heard the news..."
Karina's lips began to tremble as the weight of the information sank in. Thoughts swirled through her mind-uncertainties about her career, about what would happen next.
She took a shaky breath.
Voice cracked as she tried to answer, "I- I'm fine... Yoona unnie's here with me at my place."
Her manager slid closer and wrapped an arm around her, giving her back a gentle rub, trying to calm her down without saying a word.
"I'll drop by later. Keep it together unnie okay?"
The call ended.
Karina finally broke down, letting out the sobs she'd been holding in. Grabbing onto her manager like she was the only thing keeping her steady.
Yesterday, after the artist and Minjeong returned to the set, the latter had a private talk with Karina's manager and the director, explaining everything she'd seen-and the video she'd taken. The photographer also mentioned the blackmail Yeonjun tried to pull but she manage to reversed the situation.
The video that Yeonjun were talking about, is the secret that Karina tried to kept for months. Not even the company knows that, not until now.
Thankfully, because of the company, that secret hadn't leaked to the public. Only the assigned authorities, the director, Karina's manager, Minjeong, and Karina herself were aware.
A heavy burden for the artist, but for now, it was contained-just between them.
As for the music video shoot, it had been postponed due to the complicated circumstances both the artist and the company were facing.
The company was preparing to release an official statement addressing the situation, aiming to clarify the delays and respond to the growing concerns of the netizens most especially Karina's fans.
Suddenly, the intercom buzzed through the quiet room, announcing a delivery for Karina.
Her manager immediately grew cautious. "I'll go get it," she said firmly. "Better to be safe-who knows if it's someone pretending to be a delivery person or maybe crazy reporters trying to snap photos for their scoop."
Karina nodded silently, still wrapped in the heaviness of the moment as her manager left to check the door.
Not long after, the manager walked back in holding a plastic bag. As she stood beside Karina, her eyes landed on the note tucked inside-
a handwriting she immediately recognized.
-please eat this food. I hope that it'll light up your mood even just for a bit.
- from LMS
Inside the bag was a bunch of food, neatly packed and clearly meant for Karina.
From the company of course.
SME really did tried their hardest on taking care of her.
"Rina, the director called, he wanted to discuss the further details of your schedule. I'll be back later, be sure to eat that food." The manager gave Karina a reassuring pat on the shoulder before slipping out of the house, leaving the artist alone.
Alone once again.
For a while, she thought that it was for the best.
Not until, Karina's thoughts drifted back to Minjeong, a mix of emotions suddenly came crushing inside her.
Worry gnawed at her-what if, for a while, no, not what if, for sure she wouldn't see that familiar short-haired photographer, knowing that the company would prioritize her safety, she probably would stay at her condominium.
Embarrassment crept in too, thinking about how Minjeong might feel now that she knew about that inappropriate video that never in her life would she let Minjeong saw, not until now.
But beneath it all was a quiet relief-at least Minjeong understood that none of it was Karina's fault and the fact that Yeonjun's already dead.
Frustration ate the artist as she let her face sank on the safety of her soft cushion.
~
Yesterday Night arnd 11 p.m.
In the dimly lit room, a single harsh light hung overhead, casting grim shadows on the man seated below.
-He was chained tightly to a chair, his face marked with fresh bruises that spoke of recent violence.
In the corner, in the darkness, a figure stood, silent and looming, watching him with unreadable intent.
The room was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint sound of the man's ragged breaths.
"W-what do you want!?" The man's voice cracked, desperation seeping through each word.
The figure stepped forward slightly, the shadows still obscuring their face.
"Answers," came the calm, chilling reply. " You know more than you're admitting."
The bruised man swallowed hard, trying to steady himself despite the pain.
"Please... I don't know what you're talking about," he muttered, voice shaking.
A cold laugh echoed softly in the room. "Don't play dumb Yeonjun, you know what you did."
Yeonjun's eyes darted nervously, sweat beading on his forehead despite the air-conditioned room.
His own bedroom.
"I... I didn't mean for any of it to happen, I- I swear..." he stammered, voice barely above a whisper.
The figure took a step closer, the faint light revealing a glint of steel in their hand.
The hooded person's piercing glare met with the other's pleading eyes.
"Intentions don't matter anymore. What matters is the fallout-and you're going to take responsibility."
Cold. Heartless.
And dangerously close to death, is how Yeonjun can describe the voice that he heard.
He shut his eyes tightly, " I D-DRUGGED HER. I FORCED H-HER. WE- WE PLANNED IT ALL-"
"We?"
A shadow shifted in the darkness, the figure stepping even closer to him.
"Y-yes..." Yeonjun answered. Afraid that if he lied, the steel that the person's holding would crash onto his body.
"You're not the only one involved in this mess. There are others who helped, who covered it up. To not let your conscience ate you alive. Interesting." Voice growled, low and unforgiving.
Yeonjun's breath hitched, panic flashing across his bruised-bloodied face.
The figure's grip tightened around the steel, voice icy.
"Tell me their names, and maybe this will end quicker."
~
Breaking News:
Choi Yeonjun's Death Confirmed as Self-Inflicted.
In a shocking turn of events, authorities have confirmed that Choi Yeon-jun, the figure recently embroiled in controversy, took his own life. The news comes shortly after reports of his detention and investigation into serious allegations.
Officials stated that Yeonjun was found deceased under circumstances pointing to suicide, marking a tragic end to a tumultuous chapter. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the implications of his passing.
Details remain limited, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.