Hostile Wellness

Morning came too clean for what the previous night had done to us. The Top Floor was quiet. Not ambush quiet. Not emotional tribunal quiet. Actual quiet. Which somehow felt more suspicious.

I woke up before my alarm, stared at the ceiling for three full minutes, and tried to remember what part of yesterday had been real. TWICE had visited the Top Floor. ITZY had signed the NDAs. Jihyo had revealed the TWICE arrangement with John. Mina and I had almost been accused of planning a polite corporate takeover. Ryujin had demonstrated things with couch cushions. Yuna had narrated her first time like a coming-of-age film with legal protection. Nayeon had asked John to punish her in front of everyone. I had smoked. Yeji had kissed me in front of the room. Then told me that was the last kiss I would get if I didn’t stop smoking.

Then I had apparently survived dinner, tattoo accusations, almost-wife allegations, and an impending temporary tattoo appointment that now involved Yeji choosing placement and font.

I closed my eyes “Outstanding.”

Beside me, Yeji shifted. Not fully awake yet. But awake enough “You’re thinking too loudly.” I turned my head. She was lying on her side, hair loose against the pillow, eyes still half-closed but already judging me with terrifying accuracy “I am silently suffering.”

“You do that loudly.”
“That feels unfair.”
“You earned unfair.”

I smiled despite myself. She opened one eye “Don’t look cute. I’m still mad.”

“That implies I look cute.”

“Benjie.” I immediately stopped smiling. Mostly. Yeji sighed and sat up, pulling the blanket around herself. The morning light softened her face, but not enough to hide the fact that she was already preparing herself for the day.

Leader mode. Girlfriend mode. Wife voice in reserve. Terrifying combination “We need a gameplan,” she said. I pushed myself up against the headboard “For JYP?”

“For everything.”

That was worse because it was correct. She counted on her fingers “JYP. The retreat cover. Mina and the money. John and Jihyo’s role. The tattoo appointment. Yuna’s vacation plan. Ryujin not committing crimes. Chaeryeong and Lia shopping. And you not buying another establishment because someone annoys you.” I looked at her “That last one feels targeted.”

“It is.”
“Good to know.”

Yeji reached for her phone and checked the time “We leave in two hours.”

“For JYP.”

“For JYP first,” she said. Then her eyes narrowed slightly. “Then Frankie.” I had made the mistake of telling her the tattoo artist’s name last night. Now she said it like someone had entered a witness protection list “It’s temporary,” I reminded her.

“And I choose placement.”
“You choose placement.”
“And font.”
“And no portrait.”

“No portrait.”
“And no wedding date.”
“For now.”

She turned her whole head toward me. I looked away “Sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“No, I’m not.” She threw a pillow at me. I caught it. That was when the bedroom door opened without permission. Ryujin leaned in “Are you decent?” Yeji clutched the blanket higher “Ryujin!” Ryujin looked at her. Then at me. Then at the pillow in my hands.

“Emotionally, no. Physically, probably.”
“Get out,” Yeji said.
“I’m here for the morning briefing.”
“There is no morning briefing in our bedroom.”
“Our?”

The silence changed. Ryujin’s smile widened. Yeji closed her eyes “Leave.” Ryujin pointed into the room “She said our.”

“I heard it,” Yuna called from the hallway. Lia’s voice followed, tired and resigned “Everyone heard it.” Chaeryeong added softly, “I was trying not to.” I looked at Yeji. Yeji looked at me. Her face turned pink before she pulled the blanket over her head. Ryujin grinned.

“Great. Breakfast in ten. Your wife has assignments.”
“I am not his wife!” Yeji shouted from under the blanket.
“Yet!” Yuna shouted back.

Ryujin closed the door before Yeji could throw the second pillow. I sat very still. Under the blanket, Yeji said, “Do not laugh.”

“I would never.”
“You’re smiling.”
“I am emotionally licensed to be happy.”

The blanket lowered just enough for one eye to glare at me.

“I hate that sentence.”
“You loved it last night.”
“I tolerated it under duress.”
“Marriage duress?”

The pillow hit me directly in the face.

Breakfast was less a meal and more a tactical deployment. Yuna had taken over one side of the kitchen island with a notebook, a tablet, two pens, and the expression of a woman who had been given responsibility and planned to make it everyone else’s problem. Chaeryeong was checking the pantry. Lia was making a list on her phone. Ryujin was eating cereal directly from the box again, which meant civilization had already failed. Yeji sat beside me, still radiating mild anger, while pretending she was not leaning close enough for her knee to brush mine.

I accepted this as progress. Yuna tapped her pen against the notebook “Okay. Vacation pitch.”

“No,” Lia said immediately.
Yuna frowned “You haven’t heard it.”
“You started with a title voice.”
“It needs a title.”
“It needs JYP approval first.”
Yuna waved a hand “Details.”
“They are not details,” Chaeryeong said from inside the pantry.
Yuna ignored that “I am preparing the vacation activities pitch for everyone. If we’re getting a week—”
“If,” I said.
Yuna looked at me “When.”
“That is not better.”
“It is more confident.”
“It is more dangerous.”

Ryujin lowered the cereal box “What if JYP says no?” Yuna looked personally offended “Then Ben and Mina accidentally become a problem again.” Yeji turned toward her “Yuna.”

“What? I said accidentally.”
Lia looked at me over her cup “Your influence is terrible.”
“I have been saying that.”

Chaeryeong came out of the pantry with a haunted expression “Momo sunbaenim ate everything.”
Ryujin nodded solemnly “Biblical.”
Chaeryeong looked genuinely distressed “I stocked for three days.”
“She is TWICE’s final boss,” Yuna said.
“Momo is not a final boss,” Lia said.
“She ate like one,” Ryujin replied.
Chaeryeong looked at me “I need to restock.”

“Use my card.” Yeji turned toward me immediately. I lifted both hands “Not buying the grocery store. Just groceries.” She watched me for a second. Then nodded “For now.” I sent a quick message to my accountant. Before I could put the phone down, it buzzed. I read the reply and sighed. Lia noticed “What?” “My accountant says he is happy to oblige as long as the shopping request is from Chaeryeong.”

Yuna slowly looked up from her notebook “Excuse me?” I read the message aloud “‘If it is Ms. Chaeryeong, absolutely. Please tell her she may purchase whatever pantry supplies she needs. If it is Ms. Yuna, I require itemized pre-approval after the spa incident.’”

The kitchen erupted. Yuna’s mouth dropped open “That was one time.” Lia looked at her “It was not one time.”

“It was one spa arc.” Ryujin pointed at her “You traumatized the man.”
“I improved his exposure to luxury wellness.”
“You submitted a reimbursement request that had aromatherapy candles categorized as emotional infrastructure.”
Yuna lifted her chin “They were.”

Chaeryeong looked between us “Should I itemize?”

“No,” I said. “Buy everything you need.” My phone buzzed again. I glanced down “He added a smiley face for you.” Chaeryeong blinked “For me?”

“Yes.”

Yuna gasped “He never sends me smiley faces.” Lia sipped her drink “That is because you send him invoices that make him question morality.” Yuna pointed at her “You’re also going shopping.” Lia nodded “For vacation needs.” I forwarded her accountant access too. A second later, my phone buzzed again. I read it “‘Approved for Ms. Lia. Sensible purchases expected.’” Yuna slapped the table “This is discrimination.”

“It is pattern recognition,” I said. Ryujin leaned over “What does he say about me?” I stared at her “You are not shopping.” She looked offended “Why?”

“Because your assignment is to try not to do any damage that can’t be undone.” Ryujin froze. Then slowly smiled “That leaves a lot of room.”

“No, it does not.”
“It does if you’re creative.”
“Ryujin.”

Yeji finally spoke, calm and dangerous. “Do not make me assign you to JYP aegyo TikTok preparation.” Ryujin sat down immediately “Understood.” Yuna whispered, “Wife authority.” Yeji pointed at her without looking “I heard that.” Yuna went back to writing. I stood and adjusted my watch “Yeji is coming with me to JYP.” Everyone looked up. Ryujin grinned “For emotional support?”

“Yes.” Yeji blinked. I continued, “I need my wife around for emotional support during this coup.” The room froze. Yeji turned bright red “Ben.” Ryujin screamed. Yuna nearly fell off her chair. Lia closed her eyes like she had been spiritually defeated. Chaeryeong looked down, smiling despite herself. I corrected smoothly “Jokingly.”

“That correction came too late,” Lia said.
Ryujin pointed at Yeji “She reacted before the correction.”
Yuna nodded “She liked it.”
“I did not like it,” Yeji said.

I looked at her. She looked at me. I smiled. She kicked my ankle under the table, then her hand found mine anyway.

We left before Ryujin could make it worse. Unfortunately, the day had already decided worse was the theme. JYP’s office felt different when there were five of us walking in. Jihyo first, because she had the folder. John beside her, because suffering was apparently his full-time position. Mina behind them, quiet and composed, carrying no visible threat but somehow radiating legal consequences. Then Yeji and me.

JYP was already seated when we entered. He looked from Jihyo to John. Then Mina. Then Yeji. Then to me.  His expression settled into the weary calm of a man watching a storm arrive with paperwork “Why do I feel,” he said slowly, “that this meeting will cost me money?” John muttered, “Because you’re learning.”

Jihyo elbowed him lightly. I bowed “Thank you for seeing us.” JYP looked at me “Benjamin, when you speak politely, I become extremely more concerned.”

“That feels unfair.”

“It is experience.” Mina took a seat without being asked. JYP looked at her. Then at me. Then at Jihyo’s folder. His eyes narrowed “You brought both of them…” Jihyo smiled “I brought structure.” JYP did not smile back “You brought financial equivalent of a small country.” Mina blinked. I blinked. John whispered, “He’s not wrong.” JYP pointed at him.“Do not help them.”

Jihyo opened the folder “We are proposing a senior-junior wellness retreat.” JYP stared at the folder “For TWICE and ITZY.”

“Yes.”
“For how long?”

I answered before anyone else could “One week.” Mina said nothing. Yeji sat beside me, straight-backed and composed, looking every bit like the leader who had walked into meetings like this for years and survived worse rooms than this one. JYP looked at the proposal. Then at me. “One week?”

“Yes.”
“And the purpose?”

Jihyo took over “Recovery, mentorship, privacy, and controlled decompression after Waterbomb. Publicly, it becomes a senior-junior wellness retreat. TWICE and ITZY. Company-approved. Clean narrative. No speculation.”

JYP listened. He did not interrupt, that somehow felt worse.

Jihyo continued “Schedules would need adjustment. Staff compensation would need coverage. Transportation, security, lodging, privacy, and contingency logistics would all be handled externally.”

“Externally,” JYP repeated. I nodded “I’ll cover ITZY.” Mina nodded “I’ll cover TWICE.”

JYP closed his eyes. John leaned toward him “That reaction is normal.” JYP opened his eyes again “How much?” I slid the estimate forward. Mina placed a second document beside it. JYP looked at the numbers, then he looked at us. Then looked at the estimates again. His face did not change. But his soul did. “You are both insane.”

Mina’s expression remained calm “The numbers are conservative.”

“That makes it worse”. I nodded “It does, actually.” JYP looked at me “You are agreeing with me?”

“On accounting language, yes”. JYP leaned back “I have concerns.”

“Expected,” Jihyo said.

“Good. Then expect many.” He lifted one finger. “First. Moving schedules for one week is already difficult.”

“Yes,” Jihyo said.
“Second. Moving both TWICE and ITZY creates speculation.”
“We have a cover plan.”
“Third. A private location reduces risk but does not remove risk.”
“Agreed,” Mina said.
“Fourth.” His eyes moved to me. “I do not like how Ben solves everything by means financial flashbanging.”

Yeji’s posture shifted. I looked down. JYP noticed. His voice softened by one degree “I am not saying the care is wrong. I am saying the method is dangerous.”

“I know,” I said.
“Do you?”

Yeji answered before I could “He does.” Everyone looked at her. She sat straight. Calm. Leader-like “He knows. That is why he did not come alone.”

That landed. On JYP. On me. On everyone. Yeji continued “ITZY can keep working. We can keep performing. We can keep smiling and doing schedules. But that does not mean we are okay.” Jihyo’s expression softened. Mina watched Yeji quietly. JYP’s face changed.

Not much, but enough. Yeji took a breath “The Top Floor helped. Ben helped. But it is still attached to everything. The building. The schedule. The pressure. Staff. Reports. Calls. We need space away from all of it before we start treating containment like recovery.”

Silence.

Then JYP looked at me “You said that?”

“No,” I said quietly. “Lia did.” His eyes shifted “Smart girl.”

“Yes”. JYP looked at the folder again. Then at Mina, towards me, then at Jihyo. For a moment, nobody spoke. He tapped one finger against the desk. Once. Twice. Then he said “No”. John whispered, “Here we go.” Yeji’s hand tightened slightly on her knee. Mina was reaching for something in her bag, I leaned forward “Sir—”

“One week is not enough.” The room completely stopped. Jihyo blinked. John’s head snapped toward JYP. Mina’s hand was still in her bag, and her expression did not change but her eyes sharpened. I stared at him.

JYP leaned back in his chair like a man who had decided the best way to survive a storm was to control where it landed “I will give you two.” Nobody moved. John was the first to fail “Wait. That worked?” JYP pointed at him “Do not make me regret this faster.” Jihyo recovered first “Two weeks?”

JYP nodded “If this is recovery, one week will become a countdown. The first three days will be spent adjusting, the last two preparing to return, and everyone will pretend the middle was enough. Two weeks gives them time to settle. It also gives the company one clean explanation instead of repeated schedule reshuffling.”

I stared. Mina nodded slowly “Efficient.” JYP pointed at her “And that brings me to the conditions.” John whispered, “Peace treaty.”

JYP ignored him. “First. You cover all costs.”
“Done,” I said.
“Split,” Mina added.
JYP’s eye twitched.

“Second. Staff compensation, schedule adjustment fees, security, lodging, transportation, medical standby, privacy measures, and contingency costs will be covered before anyone leaves, and anything else that comes up regarding you ‘retreat’ in any form.”
“Done,” I said.
“Split,” Mina said again.
JYP rubbed his forehead.

“Third. Legal documentation.”
Jihyo lifted her pen “Expected.”
“No,” JYP said. “Not only for the retreat.” The room shifted. His eyes moved to Mina. Then to me.

 “Both of you will sign an agreement that neither of you, alone, together, directly, indirectly, emotionally, financially, strategically, through shell entities, friends, family offices, investment vehicles, private holding companies, anonymous proxies, or any other creative nightmare you can invent, will attempt to acquire, influence, pressure, restructure, destabilize, or otherwise interfere with JYPE.”

Silence. Absolute. John slowly turned toward me. I looked at Mina. Mina looked at me. JYP slapped one palm lightly on the desk “Do not look at each other like that.”

John whispered, “Oh my God.” Jihyo covered her mouth. Not to hide shock. To hide laughter. Yeji stared at me “Ben.” I looked at her “I didn’t say anything.”

“You thought something.”
“That is not illegal.”

JYP pointed at me “It will be if I ask legal.” Mina tilted her head “Restructuring is not inherently destabilizing.” John stood halfway “No.” Mina looked at him “What?”

“You are proving why he needs the clause”. JYP nodded “She is.” Mina paused. Then folded her hands again “Reasonable.” I looked at her “Reasonable?” She looked back “Under the circumstances.”

John pointed between us “See? This is exactly what terrifies everyone. You two just negotiated not buying the company like normal people discuss not ordering dessert.”

JYP looked exhausted “Fourth. If anyone asks, this retreat is company-approved. Not Ben-approved. Not Mina-approved. Company-approved.” Jihyo nodded “That protects the narrative.”

“Fifth. No public-facing signs of anything that makes me need a medical team before noon.” John muttered, “That is broad.”
“It needs to be.”

JYP looked at each of us “Two weeks. Costs covered. Legal agreement. Company-approved narrative. No corporate interference. No public scandal.” He paused “Do we understand?”

Jihyo nodded “Yes.”
Mina nodded “Yes.”
I nodded “Yes.”
John nodded “With fear.”
Yeji nodded “With supervision.”

JYP looked at her for a second. Then, for the first time, smiled faintly “Good. Someone has to.”

The meeting ended with more signatures than I liked. Mina signed the anti-interference clause without hesitation. I signed after reading every line, mostly because JYP watched me like I might discover a loophole mid-stroke. Which was offensive— not entirely inaccurate. But offensive.

John read over my shoulder and whispered “No shell companies.”
“I can read.”
“No emotional acquisitions.”
“That is not a legal term.”
“It is in spirit.”

Jihyo gathered the signed copies. Mina looked quietly satisfied. Yeji looked relieved. JYP looked like a man who had bought himself two weeks of peace by selling his legal department’s soul. As we stood, he looked at me one last time “Ben.”

“Yes, sir?”
“No buying restaurants.”

Yeji’s head snapped toward me. I stared at JYP. John slowly turned. Jihyo closed her eyes. Mina blinked “How did you know about that?” JYP leaned back “I have instincts.” John whispered, “He’s evolving.” I bowed “No restaurants.” Yeji folded her arms.

“Or buildings.”
“No buildings.”
“Or companies.”
“No companies.”

JYP looked between us. Then sighed “Good luck.” I frowned “With the retreat?” His eyes moved to Yeji “With you.”

We left before Yeji could agree too enthusiastically. In the hallway, John exhaled like he had been holding his breath since 2023 “Two weeks.” Jihyo looked at the folder “Two weeks.” Mina adjusted her bag “Efficient outcome.” John pointed at her “You are banned from saying efficient for the rest of the day.” Mina pouted at John “Why?”

“Because every time you say it, someone signs away corporate sovereignty.”

I looked at Jihyo “I did offer for you to come with us.” Jihyo looked up “To the tattoo appointment?”

“Yes.” John immediately stiffened. Jihyo’s smile turned slow “No.” John relaxed. Then she added “If I went, I would end up making John get one too.” John stopped breathing. Nayeon was not even there, but somehow I felt her approval in the universe. Jihyo continued calmly “All nine names.” John looked at her “You would not.” Jihyo looked back “I absolutely would.” He stared at her. Then looked at me “Help.”

I lifted both hands “No. If Jihyo decided that, you would have no way out.” John looked horrified because he knew it was true. Mina looked thoughtful “All nine names would require planning.” John pointed at her “Stop contributing feedback to the tattoos.” Jihyo smiled sweetly “Relax. I’m not going.”

“That does not make me feel safe.”
“It should not.”

We separated at the parking level. Jihyo and Mina headed back toward the company wing to begin the official retreat paperwork. John, Yeji, and I headed for the tattoo shop. Or as John called it “Evidence creation.”

Frankie’s studio was private by design. No walk-ins. No visible signage. No social media tags unless he approved them himself. The kind of place that looked like nothing from the outside and too expensive from the inside. John still looked ready to scan the walls for cameras “This is insane,” he said as we entered “It is temporary ink.”

“You keep saying that like the problem is the ink.” Yeji was beside me, sunglasses on, cap low, mask in place. She looked like an idol trying not to be recognized. Which was accurate. She also looked like an angry girlfriend trying to pretend she was not excited— also accurate.

Frankie looked up from the counter. He was broad, tattooed up to his neck, with silver rings on three fingers and the expression of a man who had seen too much to be surprised by normal things. Then he saw Yeji. He stopped. Looked at me. Looked at Yeji, then back to me “Boss.”

“Frankie”. He blinked once. “When you said Yeji, you meant Yeji—Yeji.” Yeji stiffened. John’s soul visibly exited his body. I nodded “Yes.” Frankie stared for half a second longer. Then sighed “Honestly? Baffled. Not surprised.” John turned toward me “That is not comforting.” Frankie looked at John “You must be John.” John’s eyes widened “Why do you know that?”

“Boss said a tired manager might come in sweating through his spine.” I looked away. John turned to me “You described me like a medical warning.”

“The Boss’ description was accurate”. Frankie lifted both hands before John could spiral “Before anyone panics, not a word leaves this room.” His tone changed. Less joking. More certain “I don’t post clients. I don’t talk clients. I don’t hint clients. I don’t leak clients. Especially not his.” He nodded toward me “I still remember what he did for me with that investment broker.” Yeji looked at me. John stiffened.

Frankie continued while setting out the temporary ink materials “Guy thought because he had money and connections, he could walk out on my bill. Boss asked for a name. Next thing I knew, the man who was at the top of the food chain in his line of work was now bussing tables for tips.”

John went pale “You kept tabs?” Frankie smiled “Of course I kept tabs.” Yeji slowly turned toward me “Benjie.” I sighed “Please do not start here.” Frankie looked between us. Then grinned “Oh, that’s the voice.” John pointed at him “You hear it too?”

“Man, I tattooed him through worse ideas than this. I know when his woman is the only thing keeping him alive at the moment.” Yeji turned pink “I am not—”

“His wife?” Frankie guessed. The room froze, Yeji stared, John made a helpless sound. I closed my eyes “Frankie.”

“What? Lucky guess.”
“It was not a lucky guess.”

Frankie looked at Yeji “Girlfriend?” Yeji lifted her chin “Girlfriend.” Frankie nodded seriously “Understood. Girlfriend with wife privileges.” John whispered, “I hate how fast everyone gets there.”

Frankie slid a paper across the counter “If it gives you peace of mind, I’ll sign whatever. NDA. Confidentiality. Blood oath— well not literally, unless the boss is paying extra.” John grabbed the paper “Yes. Thank you.” I looked offended “You do not need that.” John was already reading “I absolutely need that.”

Frankie looked at me “With respect, boss, the people around you look like they rarely experience peace of mind.”

“That is unfair.” Yeji looked at me. John looked at me. Frankie looked at me. I sighed “Somewhat unfair.” Frankie laughed “That’s why I like you, boss. You have more money than a small country and yet you’re pretty much down to earth.”

John slid the confidentiality paper back “Sign.” Frankie signed without hesitation. Then slid it back “Better?” John clutched it like scripture “A little.” Frankie turned toward Yeji “Alright. Temporary chest piece. Original draft was ‘Ben + Yeji.’” Yeji immediately shook her head “No.”

Frankie nodded “Good. It was corny as hell.” I looked at him “You were supposed to be on my side.”

“I am on the side of decent composition.” Yeji stepped closer to the stencil samples “It should be ‘Yeji + Ben’, that sounds and looks better.” I looked at her. John looked at her. Frankie looked at her, Yeji froze “What?” I smiled “Nothing.”

“You are smiling.” Yeji pointed out.
“I am emotionally licensed.”
“You are not.”

Frankie leaned over the page “Yeji + Ben balances better.” Yeji nodded, suddenly focused “And this font is too sharp.” Frankie blinked “Oh.”

John whispered, “She’s actually doing it.” Yeji ignored him “This one is better. Still readable but softer.” Frankie nodded “Good eye.” Her confidence grew “And little hearts.”

I slowly turned toward her “Little hearts?” She pointed at the paper like a woman commanding an army “Not big ones. Small. Around the names. Maybe one between.” Frankie looked at me, I looked at Yeji. Her cheeks were pink, but her eyes were serious. I shrugged “Whatever the wife wants, man.”

Yeji snapped toward me “Girlfriend.” Frankie lifted both hands “Whatever the girlfriend with wife privileges wants.” John muttered, “This is a disease.”

Yeji glared at both of us “I am choosing design quality.”

“Of course,” I said.
“And preventing disaster.”
“Obviously.”
“And the hearts are ironic.”

Frankie looked at the hearts “They are not ironic.”

“They are artistically necessary,” Yeji corrected. Frankie smiled “I am not going to debate that.” then he glanced at me “So we’re using the gun, right?”

I paused “What?” Frankie lifted the machine from his station with a grin that immediately made me distrust him “Temporary ink through the gun. All the pain of a real tattoo, none of the permanence— it also makes the temporary ink last longer.” John slowly turned toward Frankie. For the first time all day, he looked hopeful “That is an option?”

Frankie nodded “Sure.” Yeji looked at the machine. Then at me. Then back at the machine “I like that option.” I stared at her “B-babe…”

“You wanted drama.”
“I wanted temporary romance.”
“You can have temporary romance with consequences.”

John pointed at Frankie “I like him now.”

“You hated this place thirty seconds ago.”
“I have evolved.”

Frankie looked at me with no sympathy whatsoever “Boss, you did say whatever the wife wants, the wife gets.” Yeji lifted one finger “Girlfriend.” Frankie nodded. “Whatever the girlfriend with wife privileges wants, the girlfriend with wife privileges gets.” I stared at him “You just met her, Frankie...” Frankie shrugged with a grin “Composition has consequences, and I’m just following instructions”

John sat in the corner with the confidentiality paper in hand, looking like he had just found religion “This is the safest I have felt all day.”

“That is deeply offensive,” I said.
Yeji crossed her arms “Shirt off.”

I looked at her. She looked back. Not smiling. But almost “Placement review,” she said.

“Of course.” Frankie prepared the stencil. Temporary. Harmless. Ridiculous. And now apparently painful because everyone I loved had betrayed me in under three minutes. Yeji watched every adjustment. Font. Spacing. Heart placement. Whether the plus sign looked too childish. Whether it should be slightly tilted. Whether the names should sit centered or angled over my chest.

Finally, Frankie held up the finished temporary stencil. Yeji studied it. Then nodded once “That one.” I looked at the design. Yeji + Ben. Small hearts. Soft font. Over the left side of my chest. Not too high. Not too obvious under normal clothes, exactly where she wanted it.

“Approved?” Frankie asked. Yeji crossed her arms “For temporary.” I smiled faintly “For now.” She turned toward me “Do not start.” Frankie applied the stencil. Then the machine started buzzing. I looked at him “You are enjoying this.”

Frankie smiled “A lil’ bit.” The needle touched skin. I exhaled through my nose. John leaned forward. “How is it?” I glared at him “I can feel the love.”

“That does not answer the question.”
“It answers enough.”

Yeji stood beside me, watching with far too much satisfaction for someone who claimed this was only damage control “You okay?” she asked. I looked at her “Yes.”

“Good.”
“That sounded affectionate.”
“It was.”

I smiled. Then the needle moved over a more sensitive patch. My smile died but Yeji’s smile grew. That was when I realized I was in love with a dangerous woman. Frankie worked quickly, but not quickly enough for my dignity. Temporary ink was nothing compared to the hours I had spent under real needles, but the room treated it like I was signing a marriage contract on my skin— which, given the past twelve hours, was not entirely inaccurate.

When Frankie finished, he stepped back. “There.” Yeji went quiet. John lowered his eyes from the ceiling. Even he stopped joking. The temporary tattoo sat over my chest.

Yeji + Ben.

Small hearts. Ridiculous. Soft. What was supposed to be mine, now hers too. Temporary… for now. Yeji stared at it for a little too long. Then looked away “It’s stupid.”

I smiled “You like it.”
“I hate it.”
“You like it.”
“Benjie.”

Frankie nodded “She likes it.” John pointed at him “Do not join him.” Frankie shrugged “I know happy panic when I see it.” Yeji covered her face “I hate everyone today.” I pulled my shirt back on slowly enough that she noticed. Her eyes narrowed “You did that on purpose.”

“Yes.”
“At least you are honest.”

John stood “Great. We have evidence, paperwork, temporary body art, pain compliance, and no leaks. Can we leave before he buys the building?” Frankie looked at me “You want to buy the building?”

“No,” Yeji said immediately. I looked at her “I didn’t say anything.”

“You thought of something.”
“That is not illegal.”
“It will be if I ask JYP.”

John pointed at her “Good. Use that.” Frankie walked us to the private exit. Before we left, he looked at Yeji “For what it’s worth, I really won’t say anything.” Yeji’s expression softened “Thank you.” Frankie nodded. Then looked at me “And boss?”

“What?”
“If the permanent one happens after the wedding, please let her choose the font again.”

Yeji made a strangled sound, John pushed the door open “We’re leaving.” I smiled “You can ink it in front of the crowd during the wedding, Frankie.”

“Benjie!”

We left the studio with John muttering about confidentiality, Yeji pretending not to look at my chest every few seconds, and me feeling strangely lighter than I probably deserved. Outside, John stopped beside the car “Tomorrow we are turning JYP’s private approval into an operational nightmare.”

“We got approval.”
“We got private approval. Now we need schedule coordination, staff instructions, cover story consistency, security routing, and whatever additional clause JYP invents because you keep revealing new problems.”

Yeji looked at me “No new problems.” I nodded “No new problems.” My phone buzzed. All three of us looked down. Yuna had sent a message to the group chat.

YUNA: Vacation plan draft ready. Do we think “Healing Retreat” sounds too boring? I have alternatives.

RYUJIN: Call it Hostile Wellness.

LIA: Absolutely not.

CHAERYEONG: I restocked the pantry. Please do not invite Momo unnie again without warning.

NAYEON: I vote for “Hostile Wellness“

John stared at the phone “When did Nayeon get into this chat?” I looked at Yeji. Yeji looked at me. Neither of us answered, John closed his eyes “I hate all of you.”

Yeji looked at my chest again. Just once. Then looked away. I smiled. She pointed at me “Do not look excited.” Too late. Tomorrow, we would begin turning the retreat from permission into reality.

Two weeks, TWICE and ITZY. JYP-approved. Legally protected against hostile rich-people nonsense. Publicly wholesome. Privately impossible. And tonight, apparently, I had survived the temporary tattoo appointment… Mostly.

Yeji slid into the car beside me and muttered “Show me again when we get home.” I looked at her. She stared out the window, cheeks pink “For placement review.”

John made a sound from the front seat like his soul had finally quit. I smiled “Of course, you can look at it anytime you want.” Because apparently, the easier problem had still found a way to ruin us.

By the time we returned to the Top Floor, the place had somehow become a headquarters.

Not officially. Officially, nothing was happening yet. Officially, the retreat still needed final schedule coordination, staff routing, transport assignments, cover story alignment, and whatever corporate language Jihyo planned to use to make “two groups of idols disappearing into privacy with two managers and too much money” sound like wellness.

Unofficially, Yuna had already taken over the main table. There were papers everywhere.

A tablet. Three pens. A color-coded list. A separate page titled POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES, with the word “Hostile Wellness” crossed out so aggressively it had almost torn through the paper. Ryujin was lying sideways on the couch, looking suspiciously proud of herself. Lia sat near the kitchen with shopping bags at her feet, calm in the way people became after surviving war. Chaeryeong was restocking the pantry with the solemn focus of someone rebuilding civilization after Momo.

TWICE had arrived again in clusters. Jihyo and Mina were already seated with the documents. Nayeon was too comfortable. Sana was too delighted. Dahyun was too ready.

Momo was already looking toward the pantry. Chaeryeong noticed and froze “No,” she said softly. Momo blinked. Chaeryeong immediately bowed her head “I mean… not yet.” Momo nodded, accepting the terms of war.

John stepped out of the elevator behind us and stopped “No.”

Jihyo looked up “What?”
“This is a meeting.”
“Yes.”
“With everyone.”
“Yes.”
“After the day we’ve had.”
“Yes.”

John looked at me “You did this.”
“I did not.”
“You created the conditions.”
“That is different.”

Mina looked at the folder “It is structurally similar.” John pointed at her “You are still banned from helping.” Mina blinked “I was clarifying.”

“That is helping.” Yeji walked in beside me and immediately straightened. Leader mode returned as naturally as breathing. No hand-holding. No softness. No obvious girlfriend anything. Not because she was hiding from them anymore. Because this was the final meeting. And Yeji respected the difference. Unfortunately, the room did not.

Ryujin’s eyes moved from Yeji to me. Then to my shirt. Then back to my face. Slowly. Dangerously. I knew that look. I should have stopped there. I should have sat down quietly, let Jihyo take over, and avoided giving the room any reason to remember what had happened at Frankie’s studio. Instead, I chose violence. Not loudly. Not obviously. Just a tad bit enough.

I reached up, adjusted the collar of my shirt— acting like I was trying to fix something in my clothing, and let the fabric shift half an inch lower than necessary. Only for a second. Only enough. A small curve of temporary ink appeared near the left side of my chest. Not the whole thing. Not the hearts. Not even the full name. Just the beginning “Yej—"

Ryujin sat up so fast the couch cushion nearly slid with her. Yuna stopped writing. Nayeon’s mouth opened. Sana gasped. Dahyun’s imaginary microphone appeared out of pure instinct. Yeji turned toward me slowly. Very slowly. I looked straight ahead. Like an innocent man. John stared at me.

“You did not.”
“I adjusted my shirt, can’t a man try to adjust for comfort?”
“You exposed evidence.”
“I adjusted my shirt.”

Ryujin pointed at me like she'd just solved a murder case “He did it.” Yuna slapped both hands over her mouth “He actually did it.” Nayeon stood halfway out of her seat “No, no, no. Show us the rest.”

“No,” Yeji said immediately.

Sana leaned forward “Yes.”

“No.”
“Please?”
“No.”

Dahyun lifted her imaginary microphone “Breaking news: partial tattoo reveal causes immediate public demand for full disclosure.”

“I am not disclosing anything,” Yeji said.
Mina glanced up from her folder “Technically, it is not your tattoo.”
Yeji turned toward her “Mina…”
“It is a factual statement.”

John stood there for another second, staring at me. Then his face changed. Not surprise— decision “Oh,” he said quietly. I looked at him “No… You did not?” He reached into his pocket “Yes.”

“JOHN.”

He pulled out his phone. I pointed at him “Don’t you fucking dare.” Yeji looked between us “What?” John was already connecting his phone to the television “I have documentation.”

The room froze. Then every head turned toward him. Yuna whispered, “Documentation?” Ryujin slowly rose from the couch like a spirit summoned by gossip “You recorded it?” John looked at me, completely shameless “For identity protection.”

“That is not why you recorded it.”
“It began as identity protection.”
“And then?”

John tapped his phone, the television came alive. Frankie’s studio appeared on the screen. There I was. Shirt off. Sitting under the lights. Frankie standing over me with the machine. Yeji beside me, arms folded, looking terrifyingly focused. The entire room went silent for exactly half a second.

Then the Top Floor detonated.

“OH MY GOD,” Yuna screamed. Ryujin grabbed a pillow and nearly threw it at the screen. Nayeon clapped once. Sana covered her mouth, delighted. Dahyun’s imaginary microphone returned with renewed purpose “Breaking news: private evidence enters public record.” Yeji turned scarlet “John!” John lifted both hands “You chose the hearts. They deserve context.”

“I chose them privately!” Nayeon gasped “She chose the hearts?” Ryujin spun toward Yeji “There are hearts?” Yuna looked ready to ascend “There are actual hearts?”

The video continued.

Frankie’s voice came through the speakers “Whatever the girlfriend with wife privileges wants.”

The room exploded again.

Yeji covered her face with both hands “I hate this.” Sana leaned toward Nayeon “Girlfriend with wife privileges.” Nayeon nodded solemnly “Accurate title.”

“I am not his wife,” Yeji said through her hands. Dahyun lifted the imaginary microphone “Sources confirm wife privileges remain under dispute.” Jihyo pressed her fingers to her forehead “I cannot believe this is the meeting.” Mina studied the screen with surprising seriousness “The stencil placement is tasteful.”

“Mina,” John said.
“What? It is.”

Onscreen, Frankie lifted the machine “So we’re using the gun, right?” The room paused. Then my voice came through the TV “What?” Frankie grinned onscreen “Temporary ink through the gun. All the pain of a real tattoo, none of the permanence.”

Ryujin fell backward onto the couch. Yuna screamed again. Nayeon pointed at the screen “He suffered for it?” John turned toward everyone “He did.” I stared at him “You sound proud.”

“I am.”

Onscreen, Yeji said “I like that option.” The room turned toward her. Yeji lowered her hands just enough to glare at the floor “It was fair.”

“It was betrayal,” I said.
“It was consequences.”

The video showed the needle touching skin. I exhaled through my nose onscreen. John, from the video, asked “How is it?” My recorded self glared “I can feel the love.”

The room lost whatever composure it had left.

Even Lia was laughing now. Quietly but visibly. Chaeryeong smiled behind one hand “That is actually kind of cute.” That somehow embarrassed Yeji more than the screaming “It was supposed to be damage control,” she mumbled. Ryujin pointed at the screen as Frankie finished “There. Pause it. Pause it there.”

John paused the video. The final shot froze on the temporary tattoo

“Yeji + Ben”

Small hearts. Soft font. Over the left side of my chest. Ridiculous. Embarrassingly sincere, and very, very visible.

Silence. For one full second.

Then “She picked the hearts!” Ryujin shouted. “I knew it,” Nayeon said. Sana clasped her hands “That is disgustingly cute.” Dahyun lifted the imaginary microphone “Breaking news: tattoo confirmed. Hearts confirmed. Victims include everyone present.” Momo nodded toward the screen “Frankie is good.” Mina nodded “The line work is excellent.”

“Mina,” John said again.
“It is.”

Chaeryeong looked between me and Yeji. Then smiled softly “It’s actually really pretty.” Yeji’s shoulders dropped. Just a little “Thank you,” she mumbled. Ryujin immediately pointed at her “She likes it.”

“I picked it.”
“You love it”. Yeji buried her face in both hands again. Yuna grabbed her notebook and began writing furiously. Lia saw it “Do not add tattoo evidence to the meeting minutes.”

Yuna paused. Then slowly crossed something out. John disconnected his phone from the TV and looked at me with the expression of a man who had done a public service. I stared at him.

“You betrayed me.”
“You weaponized your chest first.”
“You streamed my suffering.”
“For transparency.”
“This was not a government inquiry.”

Dahyun lifted a finger “It became one.” Jihyo finally opened the folder with enough force to silence most of the room “Meeting,” she said.

The room settled. Not because the chaos was finished. Because Jihyo had decided it was. That was different. She looked around the table “JYP approved the retreat.” Everyone froze for the second time. This time, it was not because of my chest. Yuna lowered her pen “The week?” Jihyo looked at me. I looked at Yeji. Yeji exhaled. Then said it “Two weeks.”

For half a second, nobody moved. Then the Top Floor detonated again.

Yuna screamed first. Ryujin shot upright. Sana clapped. Nayeon grabbed Dahyun’s arm. Momo looked pleased for reasons that were probably food-related. Chaeyoung laughed under her breath. Tzuyu smiled faintly. Chaeryeong stood frozen beside the pantry, holding a bag of rice like it had become emotionally significant. Lia closed her eyes and smiled. Just a little. Like relief had found her before she could stop it. Yuna pointed both pens at me “I knew it.”

“You knew nothing.”
“I manifested it.”
“You did not.”
“She kind of did,” Ryujin said.
“No,” Lia said.
“Emotionally, yes.”

Jihyo tapped the folder “Two weeks with conditions.” That sobered the room enough. Not completely. Enough.

Mina spoke next, calm and precise.

“Costs are split. ITZY under Ben, TWICE under me. Staff compensation, transport, private lodging, security, medical standby, and contingency coverage are included.”

John leaned back “And because Ben and Mina scared JYP enough— they signed a legal promise not to buy, influence, restructure, destabilize, pressure, or creatively interfere with JYPE.”

Ryujin slowly turned toward me “You had to sign a no-coup paper?” I looked away “It was more nuanced than that.” Mina nodded “Barely.” Nayeon’s eyes widened “A no-coup paper.” Dahyun lifted her imaginary microphone again.

“Breaking news: wellness retreat approved after anti-takeover peace treaty.”

Jihyo pointed at her “Do not make that the title.” Yuna immediately wrote something. Lia leaned over “Yuna.” Yuna covered the page “It is not the title.”

“It is absolutely the title.”

Yeji glanced at me “No loopholes?” I looked offended. She waited. John waited. Jihyo waited. Mina looked mildly curious. I sighed.

“Ironclad, no active loopholes. I should have my lawyers check that.”

The room groaned. Yeji stared at me “Ben.”

“I am joking.”
“Are you?”
“Yes.”

Mina looked at me “Mostly.”

“Mina.”
“What? Accuracy matters.”

John rubbed his face with both hands “I am begging one wealthy person in this room to be normal.” Mina and I said nothing. John lowered his hands “That was the worst possible response.”

Jihyo returned to the plan before the room could spiral again “We leave tomorrow morning. The official announcement goes out as an internal senior-junior wellness retreat. No public location. No livestreams. No staff posting. No casual hints. No accidental spoilers.”

Her eyes went to Nayeon. Nayeon gasped “Why me?”

“Because I know you.”
“That is profiling.”
“That is leadership.”

Dahyun raised one finger “What about creative hints?”

“No.”
“Symbolic hints?”
“No.”
“What if the caption is just a cloud emoji?”
“No.”

Sana smiled “What if it is two cloud emojis?” Jihyo closed the folder “No weather-related crimes.” Ryujin whispered to Yuna “She’s good.” Yuna nodded “Terrifying.”

Mina took over the logistics “The vans will meet in the private parking level. TWICE and ITZY will separate for departure routes, then converge outside the city. Phones stay normal until we reach the first checkpoint. After that, private devices only.”

Chaeryeong raised a hand slightly “Food?” Momo also raised a hand. Jihyo looked between them “Food has been accounted for.” Chaeryeong relaxed. Momo looked satisfied. Lia looked at Yuna’s activity sheet “What is ‘voluntary emotional sunrise session’?”

Yuna looked proud “It’s a wholesome bonding activity.”
Ryujin leaned over “It says mandatory in parentheses.”
“That was a draft note.”

Lia kept reading “And why does one item just say ‘Ben trial by water’?” Yuna took the paper back “Still workshopping.” Yeji turned toward me “No.”

“I didn’t even do anything.”
“You looked interested.”
“I did not.”

Ryujin grinned “He looked afraid.”
“Good,” Yeji said.

The meeting moved faster after that. Mostly because Jihyo refused to let anyone rename the retreat. Yuna presented three activity categories: healing, bonding, and “things that would be funnier if Ben was involved.” Lia deleted the third category. Ryujin brought it back under a new title. Chaeryeong volunteered to help with meals and immediately became Momo’s favorite person again.

Nayeon suggested group games. John said no. Nayeon asked what kind. John said that was not what he meant. Sana asked if the retreat had couple activities. Jihyo told her to define couple. Sana smiled. Jihyo withdrew the question.

Eventually, the meeting ended not because everything was solved, but because everyone was too excited to be useful. That was enough. For now.

Jihyo stood, folder under one arm “Tomorrow morning. Parking level. Do not be late.” Mina looked at me “And do not buy anything overnight.” I frowned “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“Because you hear limits as suggestions,” John said. Yeji nodded “He does.” I looked at her. She smiled sweetly. It was not sweet. Jihyo started herding TWICE toward the elevator. Nayeon paused beside Yeji “So.”

Yeji looked at her suspiciously “What?” Nayeon pointed subtly at my chest “Did you choose the hearts?” Yeji’s face went red. Sana appeared behind Nayeon instantly “She chose the hearts?” Yeji closed her eyes “They were artistically necessary.”

Ryujin screamed from the couch “I knew it.” Yuna wrote something down again. Lia took the pen away. John looked at me “You see what you did?”

I adjusted my collar back into place “Leadership requires sacrifice.”
“That was not leadership.”
“It created morale.”
“It created paperwork.”
“Same thing today.”

John looked like he wanted to argue. Then realized I might be right. That hurt him more. The elevator doors closed on TWICE’s laughter. ITZY stayed behind for a while after. Not talking much. Just moving. Packing lists. Charging devices. Laundry. Small questions. Soft excitement. The kind that grew when nobody wanted to scare it by naming it too loudly.

Two weeks.
It had sounded impossible yesterday. Now it was a departure time.

The next morning, the private parking level looked like the beginning of a secret operation badly disguised as company logistics. Two vans idled near the far end. Black. Tinted. Clean enough to look official and suspicious at the same time. Security stood in quiet positions near the exits.

Staff loaded bags with the mechanical precision of people who had been told not to ask questions and paid enough to obey.

TWICE arrived first.

Of course they did not arrive quietly. Nayeon stepped out of the elevator mid-sentence. Sana was laughing. Dahyun was carrying a small camera case that Jihyo immediately confiscated. “It is not for posting,” Dahyun said. “No.”

“It is for memories.”
“No.”
“It is off.”
“No.”

Dahyun sighed and handed it over “Cruel.” Momo had a snack bag. Chaeryeong saw it and visibly relaxed. Jeongyeon noticed. “You brought backup food?” Chaeryeong nodded. Momo smiled at her like they had achieved peace between nations. Mina arrived last among TWICE, checking something on her phone. John saw her and immediately said “No more efficiency.” Mina blinked “I was checking route timing.”

“That sounds efficient.”
“It is.”

John looked toward the ceiling “I am surrounded.”

ITZY gathered near the second van. Yuna had her vacation notebook tucked under one arm. Ryujin wore sunglasses indoors and refused to explain why. Lia looked comfortable enough to be dangerous. Chaeryeong had somehow packed snacks for both vans. Yeji stood beside me, arms folded, pretending not to be excited.

I noticed. Of course I noticed. She noticed me noticing.

“Do not say anything.”
“I was not going to.”
“You were.”
“I was going to say you look happy.”

Her face softened despite herself. Then she looked away “I am.” That was enough to make the noise around us fade for half a second. Then Ryujin appeared beside us “Gross.”

Yeji sighed “You were not invited into this moment.”
“I live here emotionally.”
Yuna joined from the other side “Are we doing seating arrangements?”

John immediately straightened “No.” Nayeon smiled “Yes.”

Jihyo stepped between them with the authority of someone who had prevented wars before breakfast “Assigned vans. Assigned routes. Assigned silence until the first checkpoint.”

Ryujin lifted a hand “What about emotional noise?”
“No.”
Yuna lowered her notebook “What about activity planning?”
“No.”
Dahyun raised her hand “What about documenting no one talking?”
Jihyo stared at her, Dahyun lowered her hand.
“No.”

Mina glanced toward me “Did you remember the anti-interference clause?”
I stared at her “Why would I need to remember it in a parking lot?”
John pointed at me “Because you might see a toll booth and buy the highway.”
Yeji turned to me immediately “You are not buying a highway.”

“I was not planning to buy a highway.”
Yuna whispered, “Planning.”
Lia nodded “He said planning.”
Ryujin grinned “So spontaneous highway acquisition is still possible.”

“Everyone get in the vans,” Jihyo said. The command worked. Mostly. Bags were loaded. Doors opened. TWICE separated into their assigned vehicle with John, Jihyo, and Mina coordinating like this was normal. ITZY moved toward ours.

Before Yeji stepped in, she looked at me. Her eyes dropped once. Very briefly. To my chest. Then back up “Is it covered?”
“Yes.”
“Fully?”
“Mostly.”
“Benjie.”
“It is covered.”

Ryujin, already inside the van, leaned toward the open door “What’s covered?”
“Nothing,” Yeji and I said at the same time.
Yuna gasped “Tattoo.”
Lia closed her eyes “Too early.”
Chaeryeong climbed in quietly, smiling to herself.

John shouted from the other van “If I see even one letter during travel, I am filing a report.” Nayeon’s voice followed “Make sure it’s Yej—” the rest of her sentence vanished when Jihyo shut the van door.

Yeji looked at me. I looked at her. For once, I behaved. I buttoned the top of my overshirt. She smiled. Small. Proud “Good boy.”

From inside the van, Ryujin screamed “I heard that.” Yuna laughed. Lia sighed. Chaeryeong made a tiny sound that might have been a laugh too. I looked at Yeji. She looked back, cheeks pink but chin lifted. Then she stepped into the van. I followed. The door slid shut.

For a moment, the world became tinted glass, low engine vibration, quiet breathing, and the strange realization that we had actually made it this far. Two weeks. TWICE and ITZY. Company-approved. Legally anti-takeover protected. Publicly wholesome. Privately impossible.

The van started moving. Yeji’s hand found mine between the seats. No one said anything. Not at first. Then Yuna whispered from the back “So… Hostile Wellness?”

“No,” Lia said immediately.
Ryujin whispered, “Temporary title.”
Chaeryeong whispered, “Maybe something gentler?”

I looked out the window as the parking level lights slid past one by one. For the first time in days, we were not walking into a meeting. Not a confrontation. Not a secret. We were leaving. And maybe, if the universe was feeling generous, we would come back a little less broken than when we left.

Then Ryujin leaned forward and whispered “Ben.”
I closed my eyes “What?”
“Can we see the tattoo at the first checkpoint?”

Yeji’s hand tightened around mine. The van erupted. And just like that, vacation began.