Seonho
The lights dim as the final note of our comeback song fades into the air. I stand on stage, chest heaving, sweat dripping down my face. The applause roars like a tidal wave, and I can't help but grin. Despite the negative press, we've pulled it off. Orion is back.
As we exit the stage, all I can think of is Iseul. She's performing at a festival in Europe right now, and I wish she could be here to share this moment with me. But knowing her, she's probably tearing up that stage with her usual fiery energy.
Backstage is a flurry of activity—staff members bustling around, congratulatory pats on the back from fellow idols, and the general chaos that follows a live performance. I'm making my way to our dressing room when I spot a familiar figure lurking near the door.
Jaewook.
He's got that mischievous smile on his face, and he's holding a small box wrapped in bakery paper. My heart lifts at the sight of him.
"Brat!" he calls out, weaving through the crowd with ease. "Great performance out there."
"Did you run out on your manager to sneak in here?" I ask, grinning.
"Couldn't resist," he says, handing me the box. "From your favorite bakery."
I open it to find an assortment of desserts—cream puffs, macarons, and my personal favorite, strawberry shortcake. My mouth waters at the sight.
"Ah, trying to fatten me up so you can be the most attractive man in our trio, are you?" I snipe, but the gratitude in my voice is unmistakable.
"Nonsense," Jaewook replies with a wink. "I'm already the most attractive man."
We make our way to Orion's dressing room, where my bandmates are already celebrating with bottles of water and high-fives all around. Donghyun claps me on the back while Hanbin gives Jaewook an appreciative nod.
"Nice to see you here," Jaejin says to Jaewook as he takes a bite of a cream puff. "Seonho always love to have as many simpering fans as he can."
"He's the fan. I'm here as his favorite actor actually," Jaewook replies smoothly.
We share the desserts and bask in the post-performance high for a while longer before heading out into the hall where other idols are mingling. The atmosphere is electric—everyone buzzing with excitement and camaraderie.
The atmosphere is electric—everyone buzzing with excitement and camaraderie. I'm chatting with a few friends from other groups, exchanging laughs and congratulations, when something catches my eye across the hall.
Jihyun. Iseul's ex.
My blood boils at the sight of him. The man who leaked those photos and nearly destroyed her career. He's standing there, smug as ever, like he owns the place. I elbow Jaewook, who's mid-laugh at one of Hanbin's jokes.
"Look," I say, nodding toward the ex. "The world's littlest prick."
Jaewook's eyes narrow as he follows my gaze. His expression shifts from amusement to cold determination in an instant. "The dickhead."
We exchange a glance—no words needed. We start making our way over, weaving through the crowd with purpose. Jihyun spots us approaching and his face pales, eyes darting around like a cornered animal.
I plaster on a menacing smile as we close in on him. "I didn't know the venue was doing charity work. How nice of the showrunners to give you airplay."
He freezes, trying to muster some semblance of bravado. "What do you want?"
"You watch the news, I'm sure," Jaewook says, his voice low and threatening. "You know we're with her. And you know we know the whole story."
The ex's bravado crumbles instantly. He takes a step back, bumping into the wall behind him. "That's ancient history. Leave me alone."
"Plan on it," I snap. "Believe me, you're not worth the gum on the bottom of my shoe. But I thought it might interest you to know something."
The crowd around us starts to notice the confrontation, whispers spreading like wildfire. Jihyun glances around nervously, but he's got nowhere to go.
"Jihyun," I say, my voice dripping with false sympathy. "You know we've seen the whole video, right? Honestly, I understand why you weren't brave enough to release the full thing."
His face pales even further, and I can see the fear in his eyes. The red color creeping into his cheeks.
"S-so what?" he stammers, but his voice lacks conviction.
"Oh, I'm sure you remember," Jaewook says, rolling his eyes. "I think I was better than that in my room at fourteen."
I lean close to him, saying with a pitying smirk. "I almost feel sorry for you. No wonder the only way you could feel like a man was to try and embarrass Iseul. You couldn't perform as a man any other way."
Jihyun's bandmates, who had been watching the exchange with growing interest, start to murmur among themselves. They gape looking from one another. Everyone nearby was able to hear my words.
But it's too late for apologies. The damage has been done, and there's no going back.
Jihyun's face turns beet red, his hands fisting at his sides. The whole room is witnessing his humiliation. It's incredibly satisfying.
I turn to leave, but not before delivering one final blow. "Oh, and Jihyun? If it makes you feel better, the video does sometimes come in handy. I play it whenever I want to have a good laugh."
With that, Jaewook and I walk away, leaving Jihyun humiliated and embarrassed in front of his bandmates and all the other idols present. Jaewook and I grin at each other as we make our way back to the dressing room. Let anyone come after Iseul again, and I know we'll be ready. She will never have to face down a rat-faced coward like Jihyun on her own, not with us around.