⭑ 15:

✁┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⭑ The air surrounding the room felt quite thick to everyone especially the two oldest of the group. The boys around the round table all avoiding the eyes of the elderly woman who looked nothing but fierce as her eyelids fell lazily over her eyeballs, eyebrows permanently raised as she turned her face to everyone around her. Facing her front sat a man wearing mostly all black, with a grey beanie. Sighing, he brought his hand to his pocket getting out a box of cigarettes, opening it he took one out and brought it near a lighter in his other hand lighting it up. Bringing it closer to his mouth he inhaled some and let out a puff of smoke then his fingers went up to an ashtray bringing it closer to himself and immediately put away the rest of his cigarette.

"I suppose if you aren't too busy inhaling that cancerous material Mr.Kim we shall start discussing about Park Seonghwa here.

The man now known as Kim KyunWook let out a chuckle and finally looked up directly into the eyes of the woman.

"Ofcourse but how about we talk to Park Seonghwa" He smiled turning his head towards the eldest of the group before continuing, "Seonghwa-shii what does Ateez mean to you?"

The male frowned a bit in confusion but nodded and finally spoke, "Home" is what he had replied with.

"I see. So Mrs. Park what is it that you wanted to discuss Seonghwa that you called in for this meeting so urgently?"

"I need you to terminate my grandson's contract. I want to move back with me to take over his late father's business."

Hongjoong's breath hitched as soon as he heard her say 'terminate'. He looked to right where his member sat and put a hand on his thigh making the other look at him.

"You're shaking" he whispered, his voice trembling a bit. "So are you" both of their eyes averted to the leader's hands which were also shaking and into eachother's eyes again before focusing back on the other's speaking.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that." The man replied in a monotonous manner bringing himself to ease by adjusting his body on the chair and bringing it to the back of it.

"And why is that!? I should've never let him audition for a cheap company like yours! This group wouldn't get anywhere. I tried my best to support his dumb dreams just because of the stubbornness of his grandfather and now that one of these boys has injured himself I'm sure you are using the 'temporary break' has a disguise in just to amuse yourself and tell yourself that it's fine but I'm telling you right now Mr. Kim they wouldn't last even for a year that is if they are lucky"

She stopped to let out a loud sigh before looking around at each one of the trainees before speaking again. "Take my advice, I'm saying this because you are Seonghwa's friends it's best to stop this nonsense and do something better to support your families."

"Halmoni-" Seonghwa suddenly got up from his seat to refuse but the CEO brought his hand up in the air and moved it as if he was swaying away a fly signalling him to sit back down and he did listen.

"Mrs. Park first of all, I respect you as you're older than me but I definitely don't want you speaking ill of my company. I really believe in these boys and I'm sure they will make me really proud once they debut. As for Seonghwa he says ATEEZ is like home to him, meaning his decision isn't that he wants to leave."

"This is utterly ridiculous! As his legal guardian it is under me whether I want him to stay or not and I refuse to let him continue to ruin his future. TERMINATE IT."

"Mrs. Park I hope realise tha-""I am 21"

Seonghwa cut off his CEO which he immediately regretting but saw the male give him a nod of approval to continue.

"What?" "I said that I am 21. I turned 21 two weeks ago so I don't need a legal guardian and if you don't know this then I don't see why I have to listen to you."

The woman's face instantly turned red, she felt her cheeks get hot and hands clenched onto her dress.

"Have you lost your manners boy!? Have some shame. You do need to listen to me, I've raised you ever since your parents left you to me. Don't be a disgrace now." She turned her face from the black haired male towards his left where Hongjoong sat and pointed at him, "It is your fault! You need to apologise and tell him what's best for him"

"Mrs. Park please do not blame him. Injuries are normal and anyone can go through them. I won't allow you speaking like this to him"

Hongjoong felt tears gather up in his eyes but he didn't let them leave his eyes. Instead he held on his jeans tightly to stop his trembling hands and looked upto the woman.

"I-I'm sorry, I s-sincerely a-apologise for my ignorance that lead to me getting e-erm injured and having to postpone my group's debut. It is indeed my fault but...y-you c-can't tell S-Seonghwa that this isn't right for him. It has always been his dream to become an idol for as long as I've k-known him. Uhm p-please reconsider this ma'am I know you will not regret it later. He'll m-make y-you proud-"

Mrs. Paro scoffed shutting down Hongjoong's words and began speaking again.

"You do not tell me what to do! How rude. This is all your fault and you must know this. As long as your injury doesn't get better you cannot debut and you'll drag down these other poor boys with you! I don't care if their families don't care about them but I care about my grandson and his future!"

Her eyes then went upto the CEO again glaring at him, "Do something! How much money is it TJAT you want? I shall pay you if I have to."

"There isn't a need for that Mrs. Park. I'm not letting Park Seonghwa leave."

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