८०

"Let me help you with that." Manager-nim said leaning to help Jeonghan with his shoes but he had managed to removed them himself. Hearing their voice members ran towards the entrance.

"Hyunggg..." Seungkwan was first to run towards him. Jeonghan greeted him with a smile while opening his good arm for a hug but Seungkwan stopped short noticing his tied arm. "What happened?" He worriedly asked. Jeonghan smiled ready to answer him but manager-nim beat him to it. "Let's sit and talk yedera, hm?" He suggested. Seungkwan quickly nodded and helped Jeonghan to the sofa. One by one his members gathered around. "I am fine, yedera. It's just a slight dislocation. It'll be off within few weeks." He said reassuring them. But none of them looked convinced.

They must already know what had went down looking at their faces. He had checked their sns group with management. They were currently put under lockdown, asking every members to stay inside the dorm unless and until the management allows them to move out. "I'm really fine. Fortunately Rumi protected me well or else I would've ended up with more than this." He joked patting his arm trying to lighten up the mood but unfortunately it did the opposite. Looking at the tensed faces of Wonwoo and Seungcheol, he mentally cursed himself for taking her name.

"Noona? How's noona? I heard she got hurt too." Chan asked worriedly looking at Jeonghan who sheepishly glanced at Seungcheol. "Umm..." He glanced at Wonwoo who had blank expression on his face but was keenly listening to him. "She seemed alright, sustained few burns on her back."

"Burns?!" Chan exclaimed. "Eo." Jeonghan nodded. "We were in hospital together. Don't worry she looked more than fine." He said deliberately louder for Wonwoo to hear who glanced at him and walked off leaving the room. Jeonghan sighed, Rumi has ended up in big trouble this time. "Don't worry Chan-ah, noona is fine. She must be resting right now so check up on her later eo?" He said making Chan nod in understanding. Jeonghan then turned towards Seungcheol, "Daddu, will you help me to the room?" Seungcheol didn't reply, he just helped him up silently not a single word was uttered between them as he helped Jeonghan to bed. "Daddu." Jeonghan grabbed his hand stopping him. Seungcheol silently stared at him. "I am not asking you to forgive her. But at least try to understand her." He said. Seungcheol looked away. Jeonghan sighed and let go of his hand. "If you need something then let me know." Seungcheol said and quietly left the room.

Wonwoo stared blankly at the wall his fists clenched in ball. "Wonwoo-ya?" Hoshi peeked his head inside his room. Wonwoo shifted his gaze on him. "Can I come in?" He asked. Wonwoo didn't reply just looked away. Hoshi sighed and entered his room closing the door behind him. "She is fine." Wonwoo visibly relaxed hearing that. "You know she's strong like that, don't you? There are few burns nothing major to be worried about." Hoshi said trying to console him.

"Did you know?"

"E-eo?" Hoshi stuttered. He definitely knew what Wonwoo was questioning him about. "About what? I just called her, her oppa picked up. He told me she was sleeping due to medicine and it's nothing to be worried abo-"

"You know what I am talking about Soonyoung." Wonwoo looked him in the eye with warning. Hoshi clammed his mouth and looked away.

"Eo. I knew about it but she didn't tell me anything I foun-" Wonwoo's bitter laugh cut him off.

"Of course everyone knew except me! She didn't feel I wasn't important enough to know about it right?" He laughed but his eyes held something else. Pain, betrayal, hurt. "Wonwoo-ya it's not like that she-"

"Soonyoung-ah it would be better if you keep out of this from now on." Curt. The words were too curt. He just wanted to help but somehow had made worse. Hoshi pursed his lips and nodded. Its better to leave him alone for now. "Aarso." Hoshi said and quietly left the room.

"Rumi-ya... At least eat up first." Youngjae said solemnly looking at her with phone attached to her ear. Youngjae sighed when she didn't heed to any of his words. She's been like that since he had stopped her from stepping outside. Yesterday when Gu Hwa brought her home from the hospital she was already out of it. Gu Hwa explained what had went on. "Rumi-yaa..." Youngjae begged. He had somehow stopped her from running to Wonwoo's dorm the moment she woke up.

"He's not picking up the phone oppa." Rumi looked up at him, eyes red, tears welled up. Youngjae walked up to her and pulled her close. "What do I do now? He's not responding to me. What d-do I do..." Youngjae squeezed her close.

"It's okay Rumi-ya. Give him some time, hmm?" Youngjae said trying to console her.

"But I need to explain to him oppa. You know I didn't mean to hide it from him. I didn't mean to lie, o-oppa...!"

"Eo oppa knows. You didn't mean to. But right now he need some time hmm? Let's give him some to cool down for now, to think."

"B-but what if he...ani!" Rumi stood up pushing him away. "I need to see him right now!" She picked up her phone and tried to head towards the main door but Youngjae grabbed her hand.

"STOP IT RUKMANI! ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE IT WORSE?!" He screamed. "Have you looked at yourself!?" He snapped making her freeze. "You are not in your right mind. You have bandages all over your body and you want to see him?! Do you even know why is he upset right now?! Because of this!" He said pointing towards her bandaged neck and back. "Do you think anyone would like to see their loved one like this?!" He snapped throwing his hands in the air. He was frustrated, very much frustrated. Yes, he was first impressed with same selfless Rumi he had met on the battlefield but now he couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't see her getting hurt every damn time. "For fuck's sake look at yourself!" He screamed.

Rumi looked away. "I can't. I need to see him." Youngjae's jaw clenched in anger. "You won't. I won't let you." He said grabbing her hand and started dragging her towards her room. He pushed her inside. "You will stay in there until I say so!" He closed the door slammed shut and locked it.

"Oppa, stop being like this and open the door." Rumi said banging on the door. "Oppa." Youngjae ignored her and walked into the kitchen. Youngjae refused to let her leave until she had rested well. He made sure to accompany her everywhere for next few days, be it to hospital or to the agency for reporting.

BREAKING NEWS : K-Pop Star Attacked with Acid by Fake Reporter.

Global K-pop sensation, member of the chart-topping boy group was the victim of a shocking acid attack at a promoting event in Seoul. The attacker, posing as a journalist, attempted to throw a corrosive substance at the singer before being subdued by security.

The attack took place during a scheduled promoting event for their upcoming album. According to eyewitnesses, the assailant, later identified as a 32-year-old male, infiltrated the press pool using falsified credentials. "He was holding a microphone, dressed like any other reporter," said one shaken staff member who witnessed the attack. "No one suspected a thing until he suddenly lunged forward and attempted to throw something at him." Security acted immediately, tackling the suspect to the ground. A burning liquid splashed across the suspect's arm and shoulder, when security pushed through protecting the idol.

The health of the idol is to be stated stable sustaining few injuries to arm. The idol might have sustained not any serious physical injuries but what about the psychological injuries? The attack has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fellow idols, fans, and celebrities expressing their outrage and support. Industry insiders are also calling for stronger security measures at public events, as this marks the second high-profile attack on a K-pop star in recent year. "This is terrifying," wrote solo artist Zyon on Instagram. "Idols should not have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs. We need better protection."

Authorities have identified the suspect but have not yet released his full name. Early investigations suggest he was not a real journalist but had been stalking the idol online, frequently posting hate messages about him. Police are investigating whether this was a premeditated attack or the result of an escalating hatred. "This was a targeted attack," said Detective Choi Min-seok, leading the case. "We are looking into the suspect's background, including any previous threats made against the idol or Group members." Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is in custody and will face charges of attempted bodily harm and assault with a dangerous substance. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under South Korean law. Fans and the general public awaits further updates on idol's condition as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Pledis Entertainment has suspended all of Group's upcoming schedules until further not-

Youngjae switched off the radio as soon as he heard the door of car opening. A very solemn Rumi climbed in making Youngjae straightened in driver's seat. He waited for her to put on the seatbelt then the drove off the driveway. Youngjae glanced at her gauging her mood. She didn't utter a word building up the already tensed atmosphere in the car. Normally she would burst out with all her curses the moment she steps out of the head office but today she was silent, deadly silent. Youngjae cleared his throat gaining her attention. "So how did it go?" He asked sneaking glance. Rumi kept silent, he thought she would for the whole ride when she spoke.

"Oppa, I need a drink."  Youngjae pulled break at red light. "You have wounds-" "Please oppa." She begged. Youngjae sighed he glanced at her and then at the green light before the taking the turn towards the bar.

"Careful." Youngjae said dragging Rumi towards her room. He gently laid her down on her bed. "I'll bring you a glass of water." He said turning to do so.

"It's been three days."

"Huh?" Youngjae turned around in question. Rumi blankly stared up at the ceiling of her room. "It's been three days yet he refuses to answer any of my calls or texts." She said. "Do you think I have given him enough time to think, now?" She asked still staring up ahead. "Hoshi says he's not doing well." She added before looking at Youngjae. "Oppa please let me see him." Youngjae looked away, it pained him to see her like that but he knew he letting her go would cause her more pain.

"You're drunk right now. Get some rest." With that he left her room closing the door behind him. Youngjae pulled out his phone and dialled Wonwoo's number. It rang few times. The number you're trying to call is currently bu- Youngjae sighed hanging up. It wasn't just Rumi's calls and texts he was ignoring, but Youngjae's too. Wonwoo wouldn't answer his call or text but would occasionally ask about Rumi's health. Youngjae had tried to acknowledge the elephant in the room but he would come with excuse and end the conversation rather he wouldn't talk about anything else but Rumi's health.

Youngjae let out a groan in frustration. "Ugh, what do I do with these two now?!"

Police Confirm Acid Used in Attack on K-Pop Star—Suspect's Motive Revealed

New details have emerged regarding the shocking acid attack on Seventeen member Yoon Jeonghan, revealing the attacker's disturbing motive and raising concerns about celebrity safety. Police confirmed that the substance used in the attack was a highly concentrated industrial acid, and the suspect had been stalking the singer for months.

Authorities have identified the attacker as Kang Ki-hoon, a 32-year-old former freelance blogger, who had been impersonating a journalist to gain access to Seventeen's events. Investigation into his background revealed a disturbing pattern of online harassment, including hatred posts about the idol on fan forums and conspiracy theories about Yoon Jeonghan.

Detective Choi Min-seok, leading the case, stated in a press briefing:

"The suspect has admitted to targeting Yoon Jeonghan specifically. He falsely believed he was the major reason behind his girlfriend on five years breaking up with him. He stated that the idol was the sole reason for his girlfriend leaving him after five years of their relationship. He confessed that now his ex-girlfriend is fan of Seventeen, especially Yoon Jeonghan. That she was obsessed with his beauty leading to his jealousy. When he argued with her about it, she broke up with him ending their five-year relationship.  He believed the idol was the reason behind their breakup. This delusion fuelled his premeditated attack."

Police also uncovered several threatening messages Kang had posted online in recent months, many of which went unnoticed amid the overwhelming fan activity. The suspect is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and illegal possession of hazardous substances. Legal experts suggest he could face over 10 years in prison if convicted.

The attack has sparked outrage across the K-pop industry, with artists, agencies, and fans demanding stricter security at events. Several entertainment companies, including SM, YG and KOZ Entertainment, have announced immediate increases in security measures for their artists. HYBE Entertainment has issued a statement on the group's further activities pausing until further notice. The fellow members and victim is yet to comment on the incident.

But the incident has definitely reignited debates over South Korea's lax anti-stalking laws, with lawmakers now pushing for tougher penalties against obsessive and violent fans and anti-fans. Is South Korean law being too lenient-

"Turn it off." Seungcheol complained turning off the TV. He was pissed, very pissed with things pulling up one by one. The media was having a field day with the incident while they didn't even knew the seriousness of the case. The incident wasn't just the breach of security but invasion of privacy, selling of private information. Seungcheol clenched his jaw in anger. Though other members believed what company had fed them but Seungcheol couldn't just sit here and digest it. He ought to get to the bottom of the situation. He knew something was definitely off when Rumi had rushed in there as if knowing what was about to happen. So he had marched to CEO's office demanding answers when he was revealed to the real truth. The truth that should've been known to them when it was concerning their security.

"I can't believe I was attacked because that guy thought I was the reason behind his breakup." Jeonghan joked on the report.

"Seriously hyung? How can you joke about this?" Minghao asked looking at him in disbelief. Jeonghan shrugged his good shoulder. "Why not? It's really funny though. I mean what a story to tell my grandkids." He laughed as other members shook their heads at his unseriousness. "Only you can be this unserious." Dokyeom commented shaking his head. He remembered that one time he was attacked by that obsessive fan, he was shit scared then almost went into a panic attack. If it hadn't been for that security lady. He shuddered just remembering the incident.

"Soonyoung-ah Jihoon is lookin-where did he go?" Wonwoo looked around the gathered members. "Wasn't he just here?" He asked his members. Minghao and Dokyeom shrugged their shoulders in answer while Jeonghan pointed towards the dinning table. "He was with them earlier." Wonwoo nodded and went to look for him there. "Where's Soonyounga-ah?" He asked looking at Mingyu and Chan. Mingyu pointed towards the door mumbled something with mouth full of food. "He went outside after receiving a call." Chan translated, Wonwoo nodded ready to return back when Chan added. "I guess it was Rumi noona."

Hoshi walked towards the car park at the entrance. A figure stood in front of it looking into its phone. "Rumi-ya." She looked up when called up. "Hoshi-ya..." Hoshi walked up to her and took her hands in his while checking her injuries. Rumi smiled, "I am fine, they were just minor burns." She said making Hoshi click his tongue. Minor injuries wouldn't have large bandages covering them. "How's everyone? Jeonghan-ssi? Is he doing well?" She asked.

"Yes, he's doing well enough to joke about the incident now." Hoshi informed. Rumi let out a laugh and nodded her head. Hoshi stared at her. It was very forced reaction, just like the smile she had on from beginning. "Rumi-yaa..."

"How's he?" Hoshi sighed. "Yesterday you told me he skipped dinner? Has he eaten today? I bought this on my way." She said pushing a bag of what looked like ramen towards him. "Rumi-ya." "He likes this maybe he'll eat up. I also bought rice cakes lately he had been craving them-" "Rumi-ya-" "Oh I also bought some vitamins and grape juice. Mix them up he won't complain when drinking-

"Rumi!" Hoshi shook her out her rambling. "Stop! Stop." He repeated softer this time. Hoshi sighed squeezed her hand, "Have you been eating?" He questioned. She did not look good, she looked sick, like she's not been eating or sleeping. Her eyes looked red covered in dark circles. Rumi averted her eyes, "I am fine." Hoshi sighed grabbing her chin making her look at him again. "No, you are not. Rumi-ya it's okay you don't have to be so strong all the time. It's okay to just let it out." He softly said as sole tear roll down her cheek.

"I-I don't k-know what to do anymore Hoshi-ya..." She choked as Hoshi pulled her in embrace. "I-I don't know. I can't take it anymore. I don't think I can do anything anymore. I n-need to see him." She finally broke apart in his embrace. "I n-need t-t-"

"Eo, eo. I know." Hoshi soothed carefully rubbing her back while other hand patted her head. "Just give him some time hmm? He's too hurt right now. But that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He trying to cope up with it." Hoshi said. "I know what you are feeling right now but try to understand him too hmm?" Hoshi as Rumi pulled back. "He's feeling betrayed right now. If you try to explain it to him. He won't listen." Hoshi said wiping her cheeks. He thought he would be okay with her breaking down like this, that he would be able to handle it. But looking at her like this made something break in his heart.

"What if? What if he never ta-"

"There's no what if here. He loves you too much for there to be a what if." Hoshi said cupping her face in his hands. "Don't think about anything nonsense and focus on getting well. Do you think he would like to see you like this huh?" He asked. "You need to eat well, sleep well for when you confront him. Do you hear me?" He scolded. Rumi nodded sniffling. "Now tell me, have you eaten anything?" Rumi shook her head in answer. "I knew it. Give me your keys, let's go eat something." Rumi grabbed his hand stopping him.

"Aniya. I will eat. You go back. You are not suppose to be out." She said making Hoshi roll his eyes. "They can't confine us there all day. Scoups is already throwing a fit." He muttered before adding. "How about you come up and have something?" Rumi looked up at him as if he was crazy. "Ah my bad." He corrected himself remembering the situation.

"How's leader-nim? Is he...?" Hearing that Hoshi let out a very long sigh. "He visited the company and had lost it since then. I don't know what happened nor others do but he had been cursing at them since he returned from there. I haven't talked to him, more like I don't have guts to. Only Jeonghan hyung can handle him right now." The colour drained a little more from her face hearing that. "Don't worry, he'll calm down too. From what I have seen and heard he doesn't seem that angry with you, I guess?" He said leaving it with question. He had heard him talking with Jeonghan earlier, from the talks it did seemed like it.

"Do you really think so?" Rumi sheepishly asked.

"Eo." Hoshi confidently answered this time. "Don't worry he'll come around. He's currently more angry at company."

That statement didn't help with her doubt but still it somewhat comforted her. "Okay." She nodded pushing the bag of groceries in his hands. "You should return back." She said nodding towards the apartment. "And don't go around, listen to them when they tell you to stay in." She reminded. Hoshi rolled his eyes. "Ne, eomeoni. Are you driving back? Will you be able to?" He questioned.

"I drove here so, yes I can drive back." She replied.

"Okay, call me no, video call me when you reach home. I need to see you eating dinner." He warned. Rumi rolled her eyes opening the door to drivers seat. "Answer me you brat." He scolded. "Eo I will. Now go back." She replied back climbing in. "As soon as you reach home, you hear me?" He said knocking on her window. Rumi nodded mouthing a bye as she pulled out of the driveway. Hoshi waved bye until her car was out of sight. He sighed, "Will she be really okay?" He asked himself as he made his way upstairs. "Should I make a call right now just to make sure?" He muttered and then shook his head. "Aniya, aniya it's dangerous to talk while driving." He pulled out his phone put in the location of her apartment. Though he hadn't been there he definitely knew the address thanks to Youngjae hyung. "It takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Let's call her after twenty." He concluded entering their shared dorm.

"Yah eodigaso?" Minghao asked as soon as he stepped in. "Wae?" Hoshi questioned him. "Ani Wonwoo hyung was looking for you?" Hoshi eyebrow shot in air. Wonwoo? Was looking for him? "Where's he?" He asked. Minghao shrugged. "I guess he returned back to his room." Hoshi didn't wait and headed straight to his room. Mingyu opened the door for him. Wonwoo? He mouthed. Mingyu pointed to his room. These days Mingyu too was walking on eggshells around him. He had too sensed something was wrong with his roommate but didn't dare to ask. "He just walked in looking very out of it...?" Mingyu too didn't know how to describe the look on his face when he returned from somewhere.

Hoshi walked towards his door and knocked twice. There was no response, he waited for few moment before slowly opening the door and peeking his head in. Wonwoo was sitting up against his bed's headboard. "Can I come in?" He asked making Wonwoo glance up at him. They had not talked since last few days when Wonwoo had asked him to stay out of this matter. "Umm, I heard you were looking for me?" He questioned walking in.

"It's Jihoon."

"Eo?"

"It was Jihoon who was looking for you." Wonwoo repeated. "He called you but you weren't picking up his call so he asked me to tell you." Wonwoo explained.

"Oh." Hoshi said stopping short, little disappointment. "Oh okay. Then I'll go see him." He nodded ready to leave when he remembered the bag he was carrying. "Um. This is for you." He said quietly placing the bag on bed. He waited for Wonwoo to say something but he didn't so he quietly left the room.

Wonwoo looked up at the closed door. He wanted to grab Hoshi by collar and question him. Question him why him? Why him? But he stopped himself from doing so. He then glanced at the bag placed by him. He opened it to see his favourite ramen brand, vitamin drinks and bottle of grape juice. He let out a bitter chuckled taking out the juice bottle. "Is that all you have for me huh?" He asked titling the bottle to see 'I'm sorry' written on the bottle. "Is that all I deserve? Don't you have any explanation for me?" He asked.

A/N:

Thoughts?

Love,

Alba💜