Caught

“Come on, just one kiss.”

“I don’t know, oppa. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Don’t worry, no one is going to see us.”

“Okay, just one kiss.”

“See, it wasn’t too bad. When do you think I can see you?”

“I don’t know. The company is pretty strict, and my teammates and I are busy. I basically had to lie for them to let me out.”

“I really want to see you again.”

“Same, I miss spending time with you.”

“Click. Click.”

Unbeknownst to the couple, their little randevu will have long-lasting effects on both of them, especially Miyeon.

“Seems like someone is going to have a bad day tomorrow,” as the person across the street watches from the shop nearby.

The next day, Irene walks to her office after a long day of practice the day before. As she opens the door, she sees an envelope, picks it up, and places it on the table.

Seated, she tried to find an address but found nothing that would reveal who the sender was. She opens it and pulls out a card with a note saying, “Seems like the company doesn’t know how to manage their trainees and stop them from dating.”

Irene opens the folded sheet of paper and sees a clear picture of Cho Miyeon, one of the trainees she personally manages, kissing a boy. Many things go through her mind and the last thing she needs is a scandal of the CEO’s upcoming girl group before their debut. Luckily, they haven’t been confirmed, and says, “I need to take care of this before it gets any worse.”

Meanwhile, Miyeon is running on the treadmill when she receives a message. She sees the name of Irene, her recruiter and the one in charge of her group. She thinks it’s an update of her group’s schedules and opens it, only to get a vague message, “Would like to meet with you in my office at 10 AM today.” Curious, she finishes her run and heads to her dorm to shower before her appointment.

“Knock, Knock. It’s Miyeon.”

“Come in. Take a seat.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you adjusting to your group? Are you getting along with your members?”

“Yes, the girls and II are getting along well. We are so excited to debut.”

“Hmm… how are things going personally? Are you feeling stressed or worried?”

“Just a bit tired, but nothing more than the usual?”

“That’s good. Do you have feedback or anything you want to share?”

No, the company has been great so far. I really appreciate it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Hmm, I think so.”

Irene tries to hide her irritated expression but can’t comprehend why the person in front of her is lying straight to her face. “Then what about this?” as she takes over a folder and places the picture on the table.

“I don’t know what this is.”

“Lies, this is you breaking one of the rules of your contract with us.”

Miyeon tries to think of what to say but can’t think of any excuse and bursts into tears. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hide it. I’ll break it off; I promise not to do it again.”

“That’s not going to work. You broke an important rule. I don’t think this is going to work between us moving forward.”

“Wait, you don’t mean…”

“I’m going to ask you to get your belongings and meet me back tomorrow for off-boarding.”

“Please, don’t do this, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I’ll make it up; I’ll work harder, just give me one chance. We’re so close to debuting,” says Miyeon as she cries and pleads.

“You shouldn’t hide the fact that you were dating; maybe if you told me, I could have been more lenient. Don’t make this any harder, I don’t want to blacklist you.”

“But… “

“Leave, I’m very disappointed in you.”

With her hands covering her face, she exits Irene’s office and runs to the elevator. She puts her hood up and covers her face as she tries to exit the building and make it to her apartment.

“Hey Miyeon! Are you done for the day?”

“Sorry, I can’t talk now,” says Miyeon as she tries not to let one of her trainee friends see her crying. She speed walks all the way to her room and lays on the bed crying until she falls asleep.

“Hey, Miyeon, wake up. You missed practice.” Slowly, she wakes up from her exhausting nap and sees Rose touching her shoulder.

“Hey, Rosie.”

“What happened?”

“They kicked me out,” as she begins to bawl again.

“Why? Who kicked you out? From the group?”

“No, from the company.”

“Wait, let me get the rest of the girls. Maybe we can figure something out, but don’t cry.”

“Hmm, okay.”

Rose steps out and heads to the other room where Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa are hanging out. “Miyeon is crying, she said that they kicked her out of the company!”

The members rush into the other and see Miyeon lying down, crying her eyes out. “What happened, Miyeon?” asks Lisa.