Sᴇᴏᴋᴊɪɴ Kɪᴍ || Wʜʏ ᴍᴜsᴛ ʜᴇ ғᴇᴇʟ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ? ̊˖𓍢ִ໋✪

The practice room at Heartbeat Entertainment was vast, with mirrored walls reflecting the five members of Heartbeat Symphony as they rehearsed their latest choreography. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination, punctuated by the upbeat pop melody that had become the group's signature sound.

Seokjin positioned himself at the back corner of the formation, his movements precise yet somehow detached from the cheerful energy radiating from his bandmates. While the others wore brightly colored practice outfits that matched their group's vibrant image, Seokjin stood out in his black oversized hoodie and ripped jeans, silver chains glinting at his neck. His dark hair fell across his eyes as he moved, creating shadows that mirrored the enigmatic aura he cultivated.

His gaze kept drifting toward you, their manager, as you adjusted the sound system and gave instructions to Su-bin, the group's leader and lead vocalist. The golden boy of Heartbeat Symphony, Su-bin radiated warmth and charm, his laughter filling the room as he demonstrated a particularly difficult dance move. You stood close to him, your hand briefly touching his arm as you pointed out something on the sheet music, your expression focused and attentive.

Seokjin's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as he watched this interaction. For the past three years, he had observed this pattern repeat itself countless times. Su-bin, with his perfect smile and effortless talent, naturally commanded attention, yours most of all. While Seokjin's vocals were often praised for their unique depth and emotional quality, it was Su-bin's higher, more conventional pop voice that carried most of their songs' choruses and hooks.

"Alright, let's take it from the bridge." You called out, your eyes still fixed on Su-bin as he nodded, catching his breath.

As the music started again, Seokin's mind began to work. He noticed how Su-bin's footwork was slightly off during the complex transition, a subtle weakness that only someone with his observational skills would catch. Good. That meant the mood stabilizers were starting to take affect. Seokjin had gotten tired of being the black sheep of the group. It's time things change up around here.

He had gotten especially tired of you giving attention to the most spoiled brat, Su-bin of course. He's handsome sure, cheerful, elegant and has a great voice, but what about it? He's stupid. Someone that won't know what to do without your help. If only you payed such attention to him, it wouldn't be difficult. He's a great vocalist aswell, the second vocalist. If only Su-bin just... didn't exist. That would make things much easier and lovely.

Three years trying to catch your attention, three years of making himself pretty (even if he already was), three years of trying his hardest out of everyone, yet still nothing! He can't help but let himself be consumed by the raw need and passion he has for you. Su-bin doesn't need to stay here, Seokjin has a nicer and deeper voice, surely you won't miss that brat.

He'll start slow. Mood Stabilizers in Su-bin's medication here, a little trap for him to cause him to hurt himself there. Tempering with his food to destroy his flawless image. All were just... little things, things that you'd notice immediately in Su-bin's behavior and surely will scold him for. While Seokjin doesn't want to get his hands dirty, he will need to if he wants him gone. Not with blood though, oh no no. Too much trouble and a huge risk for the company. He will just make him either disband or change idol groups. Isn't Seokjin just the kindest? Taking account of the company? You should notice that.

---

During the break, while most members collapsed onto the floor, chattering and checking their phones, Seokjin approached you. "Your shoelace is untied Manager." He said, his voice low and smooth while gesturing down.

You glanced down, and in that moment of distraction, Seokjin 'accidentally' stepped on Su-bin's foot, making him stumble. Because of the stabilizers and their stronger affect on Su-bin now, he lost his footing and planted himself on the ground. The sudden thump made everyone jump.

"Sorry." He murmured, not quite meeting your eyes as he looked down at Su-bin, quietly smiling to himself at finally seeing Su-bin below him. "Clumsy of me."

Su-bin ever gracious, simply laughed it off. "N-no worries! Accidents happen."

But the interruption had thrown off Su-bin's rhythm. When they resumed practice, Seokjin subtly positioned himself closer to him during the formation where he'd noticed the footwork issue. As they executed the move, Seokjin 'misjudged' his spacing just enough to bump into him, causing Su-bin to stumble again.

"Watch it, Seokjin!" You called out loudly, writting down in your notepad. "My fault manager." Seokjin responded, his expression unreadable. "Lost count for a second."

You frowned, noting the disruption. "Let's focus. We're behind schedule. There's no time to be fooling around."

---

Later that evening, as most of the group had left, Seokjin lingered, pretending to adjust his in-ear monitors. He watched as you talked with Su-bin one-on-one, scolding him and telling him to take tomorrow off.

Oh god... look at that sad little pathetic face Su-bin has just because he finally got scolded in his life. Seokjin felt a delicious shiver at seeing you step up to him, your anger, your disappointment... yes! Finally! You're realizing that even Su-bin has flaws. He's not that flawless, he's not perfect. He's just a brat used to the spotlight. All humans have weaknesses. But Su-bin? He has just tasted what it was liked to be looked down upon.

As Su-bin apologized and hurried of to his private room, shoving past the camera crew, Seokjin saw his opportunity and he walked towards you like a starving wolf. He approached slowly, stopping a respectful distance away. "Manager." He began, his voice quiet but carrying in the nearly empty room, "If I may... I think I might know what's causing the issue."

You looked up at him, surprised. Seokjin rarely offered advice involving others. His eyes met yours briefly before darting away, trying to hide his smirk as his hands twitched into holding you. "I'm sorry to be the one to say this manager, but I saw Su-bin snort a few doses of Heroin before we started. Perhaps he's having some personal problems in his life that may affect the group."

Upon his words, you froze, the words you had, had simply gone into thin air like smoke. Seokjin allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. He had your attention now, undivided and focused solely on him. The golden boy was still shining, but tonight, his doom was to come right at his doorstep. Seokjin had managed to cast a shadow that brought you into his orbit. Whatever he would tell you now, you'd believe him. Why wouldn't you believe him?

You'd go snoop around Su-bin's room, find the bag of Heroin Seojkin had hid himself behind the vanity and then whatever happens, you'd hang on every word Seojkin has to say. He was the one that 'found out' about Su-bin's secrets after all.

Seokjin cleared his throat and pat your back. "Don't worry Manager. If you want, I can talk to him. I know him best after all." His deep voice filled the room with a richness that made the hair on your arms stand up, somehow magically luring you in his trap he had carefully set.

Seokjin had joined this band because Su-bin had pursued him to do so back in High school. It's good to say that... they are actually best friends. At least Su-bin thinks so. Seokjin hates him. He always had the better grades, the attention, the praise, the most Valentine's gifts. It was no wonder why Su-bin has stolen the spotlight once again in this boy group.

Seokjin had grown used to being the backround charcter. The one people looked and were like that's Su-bin's friend. No one knew his name, he was just... Su-bi's firend it seemed.

What he won't tolerate is finally finding someone to love, to obsess over, to need that person like oxygen and have them taken away from him by Su-bin! He won't be having that. No way.

"You seem a bit pale Manager. Should we go outside and take a breath? I promise I'll talk to him tomorrow." He put his hand on your back, gently guiding you out. The only thing he won't be having with Su-bin is a simple talk. The plan is coming to finish. He will black mail Su-bin, demand he leave on his own so things won't get dirty. And knowning Su-bin? He would do so without any second thought. Because in the end, Su-bin will forever be a bratty coward.