Even with Jisoo’s unwanted presence, 2PM still had the power over music charts, keeping their crown as number 1. Fans had assumed over the meaning of their album. 1: 59 PM. It’s true that it was related over their missing leader. They were, as of the moment, incomplete.

JYP, their boss was satisfied with their performance, but he wanted Jisoo to participate in activities as much as the others could. He knew that if he wanted to see change on the original six, certain steps must be done. And one thing he surely knows that could make the change is having the maknae be around the guys. If possible, every moment he could.

To make sure this happens, the first thing he could do is prepare of a special stage that included Jisoo. The heartbeat promotions was the perfect opportunity to do it. So, he called for a meeting. No members were allowed to disregard the meeting.

Everyone arrived around the same time and were seated beside each other around the long table in JYP’s conference room. The youngest was seated beside the manager to avoid any harm coming her way. She knew well that these guys won’t play fair just to throw her out of the group. Whenever she needed to come inside the main dorm, she would sometimes hear some of the member’s plans. Taecyon and Nichkhun were the most outspoken out of the bunch since they mostly spoke in English thinking that the youngest didn’t speak any languages besides Korean. In fact, Park Jisoo does not only speak English and Korean, but she was also conversationally fluent in Mandarin and Japanese. English was the first language she learned after her native tongue when she stumbled upon a foreign film. She learned Mandarin for the same reason as the first one and learned Japanese when her brother decided to make a living in Japan. The guys should have checked first before making the biggest mistake of their lives.

None of their plans looked scary enough to drive her off. Though, one can never be too careful to protect herself.

Besides the duo, one of the people he was worried about was the former maknae. Chansung was a guy that could use every resource he could find effectively. He would even use food, his precious treasure to sabotage the new guy. That was how much he hated the guy.

The rest, Jisoo rarely heard any plans coming out from their mouths. The other three would just express whatever they feel. Junsu would occasionally glare while Wooyoung continued to acknowledge the rookie’s presence as non-existent. Junho was similar to Chansung but harmless except for the endless chores he orders for Jisoo to accomplish.

Tons of protest from the members was spoken to JYP about their extreme dissatisfaction toward their unwanted member. They were against the rookie, performing with them for the title track HEARTBEAT.

“For future performances, Jisoo will be joining.”

Everyone, including the newly joined member, Jisoo was surprised by the sudden change of plans. Jisoo’s debut stage was meant for the Christmas performance. Initially, all her schedules for the time being would be revolving on variety show, CFs or even acting if there were opportunities.

“There’s no way he’s gonna perform this song!” Taecyon slammed his hand with such force that almost made a dent on the long table in front of him and the rest of the people present in the room.

The look their CEO had on his face was determined. He didn’t flinch from the strength Taecyon displayed.

It was Jisoo who slightly jumped from her seat. Taecyon never failed to scare her off but she managed not to show it.

“He’s not even needed.” Junho added.

“Junho. Now’s not the time.” Their manager called warningly. Junho ignored it. Minjae, 2pm’s manager, knew how much the guys hated Jisoo but he doesn’t agree in their ways. Still, no matter what they do JYP has the final say.

JYP ignored the two and announced his plans. “I changed this week’s song choice. It would be the remix version of Hear-”

He was cut short by Chansung. “JYP hyung. He doesn’t even fit the group for crying out loud! Don’t you see he’s a wimp?! He even looks like a girl.”

Their boss remained unfazed and continued. “ Since he has no parts in the song, he will be playing the piano. I originally planned for me to join the performance, but what’s the use of an old man if a young healthy one like Jisoo is available and ready to perform” His eyes were now directed to the rookie.

“Mr. Park-” Jisoo was about to protest.

“What did I say about calling me?” JYP raised his brow in question.

“JYP hy- hyung” The maknae corrected herself before continuing. Calling him hyung was a little foreign even for her. Park Jin Young is a big man which she hasn’t gotten to get used to. “Isn’t the performance a little too early for me? I just started and…”

“And?”

“I don’t know… I think this is happening too fast” Upon saying this, she got a little quiet. It felt embarrassing to lose her confidence in front of the others. She glanced at the other members knowing they were watching her intently.

All members including the manager looked at the exchange of the two. It was rare to see this kind of side of their CEO. He can be agreeable but not this kind to anyone when business is being discussed. Junsu felt envious of the attention JYP was giving the new guy.

“Don’t worry, you won’t ruin the performance. You’ll be playing the piano considering you have enough experience in that field.”

Jisoo tried to convince her boss not to push her into performing. She’s not even as talented as her sunbae, Seulong, and yet she was debuting just a month after the crash course training. Other than this, she can’t help but be feel worse than before just by the looks of the guys.

“hyung” she weakly pleaded. Another reason for her to be hated is something she doesn’t want to add on her co-member’s list of why she was hated.

“You see that. The wimp doesn’t have the confidence” Nichkhun snorted and leered at topic of the meeting.

“That’s because you stubborn fools are making it worse for him” JYP coolly replied. “I know how YOU think. I’m not naive. I’ve been in this business long before you were born.” He addressed this to all members except for Jisoo. “Don’t try my patience and make trouble. I won’t be kind to anyone who threatens to ruin this group. Remember that it was through everyone’s efforts that this group is how it is today. It will be your careers in the end that would be at stake if something happens.”

Despite the warning, the rest of the members kept trying to oppose JYP’s plans. Only Wooyoung looked like he didn’t give a damn. His eyes were directed outside the window, lost in his own world. Nobody even bothered to get his attention. This behaviour from him was normal ever since the lost presence of 2PM’s leader, Jaebum, he had distance himself most of the time.

Jisoo has noticed this behaviour for awhile now. She couldn’t help but observe the chubby-cheek idol. She wished she could do something to make things easier for the older one. Not even a second did the youngest saw this guy smile sincerely nor spoke directly to her except for that one time at her introduction. Even if he spoke to her harshly, she would have gladly accepted it. If yelling at her, would make it a lot better for Wooyoung, she would have been glad to take every insult he had for her. But, she couldn’t even get a sound from him since then.

“All of you just have to live with my decision and learn to live with it. Just remember that I have my reasons for doing this. I’m doing this to save the group. This is for your own good, guys… Learn to be NICE to each other. One day, you fools will thank me for this. But for now, you’re dismissed. Do what you have to do.”

The original members went out with a clear dissatisfaction on their faces except for Wooyoung, who had a neutral expression. Jisoo felt it was her fault once again and apologized.

She stopped and bowed, properly giving respect to her seniors. “I’m very sorry hyung for causing trouble”

When she spoke these words, the expression on the others faces hardened. Jisoo simply made their hate toward her a lot worse than it already was. His kindness made them hate him more.

Junsu was the first one who replied. “Because of you, our lives just got harder.”

Taecyon levelled his eyes with hers and clenching his jaw tight, trying to stop himself from punching the fool in front of him. “You’d better go home while you still can”

“Why don’t you just disappear?!” Chansung said in contempt. “Can’t you see that no one wants you here?”

“Get away.” Junho shoved her and walked away without giving him another glance. She staggered backward upon impact.

“You don’t deserve to call us HYUNG.” Nichkhun simply looked away and left.

Jisoo hoped that one of them would somehow be kind to him. She saw Wooyoung and looked at her in hope. In the end she thought wrong. “Give up.” Wooyoung whispered on her ear as he passed by her and left last.

Jisoo couldn’t believe she just made it worse.

Her knees almost gave in but she fought against it. It was hard to be at ease when everyone around her didn’t like her. “I’m a fighter. I can withstand this. This is nothing. In time, things will get better.” She repeated these words over and over again inside her head. This was the only thing she could do to comfort herself. There was no one else to lean on. She was alone in this.

Oh how she wished her brother was by her side. It has been far too long since their last conversation. The maknae could only wish but it doesn’t mean it will come true.

Her body felt heavy, as if she was shouldering the world. It has been an emotional day but she couldn’t let it get to her. She promised JYP and therefore she must do whatever it takes. No one said helping the guys would be a stroll on the beach. In her heart, she knew she was stronger than this. Years of living without parents and only a brother, who couldn’t be always with her, she had to last until the end. She just has to endure every minute and pray that soon, a smile will paint their faces.

That night, she drew Wooyoung with an empty expression. It was a side profile of the idol. His head tilted downward with a single tear forming on one of his eyes. 

The following day, she spent her day practicing for the piano piece of the heartbeat performance. The other members rehearsed a new choreography for the song.

Even though her part for the song wasn’t much, she poured her best in it. Jisoo knew pretty well that she wasn’t in a good position with anyone.

By the time she was confident enough for her performance her fingers were throbbing from all the playing she did. During her training before her debut, she was coached into playing the piano. It took a lot of practice but her hands were somewhat familiar with the keyboard. She was still getting used to playing that the hours she spent practicing for the upcoming performance made her hands hurt. But no matter how much it hurt, she was happy and satisfied. There was no gain if she didn’t put effort in it.

The days passed by quickly, the moment she had been waiting for arrived. The special stage 2PM would be performing will be on Mnet Countdown which meant that it will be pre-recorded. Despite this, her nerves wouldn’t calm down. This feeling didn’t usually come to her even when she was with her friends performing on the street. It was a poor analogy but it was the closest thing she had before for an audience. Probably, she was so nervous because she knew what the audience outside have a bad image about her.

Her costume was different from the others have because of the sudden change of the program. Another reason was that her participation had very little contribution to the group and wouldn’t need much attention. Jisoo’s reaction to this wasn’t hurtful nor was it comforting. Although, she was glad that she didn’t have to wear those suits. Being a man was okay but it was still awkward to wear such expensive clothes and parade with them. For this performance, she wore a simple all white crisp shirt, tie, straight cut pants and shoes. Her image was like of a ghost or phantom of some kind.

“Looking fly Jisoo. You’ll have your followers in no time” her coordinator, CC teased.

“haha” she rolled her eyes. She doubted her coordinator’s words. Even with a good look, it wouldn’t be enough to appease the public.

“Now, where’s the Jisoo that I know?” There was concern in CC’s voice as she concentrated to fixing Jisoo’s hair. CC was 2PM’s stylist coordinator, but she was assigned to concentrate on the new maknae since she knew about Jisoo’s real identity as well as most stylist would prefer tending to the others.

They were trying to talk casually without anyone getting suspicious about their close relationship. It was common knowledge that odd behaviour can lead to scandals. With Jisoo being in the public’s attention, they can’t have a scandal. It would make the situation worse for 2PM.

“It’s nothing. I wasn’t able to sleep well last night.”  Jisoo smiled lightly, putting a cheerful front.

“Ah, excited about today’s performance?” The coordinator guessed, misunderstanding the young idol.

“Yeah~ Uhmm… noona, can I stay outside until it’s time for the performance? I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.” It was a lie. The truth was she can’t bear staying in the room at the moment. She could still feel it in the atmosphere that hate they had for her.

Her coordinator answered while checking her suit for any problems. “Ok. Sure. I’ll tell the manager. Break a leg for your performance” CC smiled at the last sentence.

“Noona I’m hardly relevant for the performance.” Even though it was a small action of support, the maknae couldn’t help but smile back. CC’s sincerity was heartfelt and she was grateful for it. Her constant words of encouragement helped Jisoo past hurdles throughout the beginning of transformation. She had also been a source of strength whenever she felt like quitting.

“It doesn’t matter if your role is big or not. What matters is that this will be your official debut.”

“Thanks Noona” Jisoo said sincerely to the older female before leaving the room and escape everyone’s animosity.

Jisoo was able to breathe a little better as soon as she was outside the dressing room. The looks she was receiving had somehow been suffocating. She would have stayed inside if only they didn’t openly express their hate for him.

She fully understood that the staff knew the condition of her relationship with the members. Some of them especially the bold ones would even join in to play pranks on him. The silent treatments and occasional glares were fine. All of the anger they had was understandable, but after what happened a few days ago, things just got worse.

In recent days, the bullying had been bolder. On one occasion, they managed to take her phone and hide it. When she found it, they had somehow submerged the innocent item in some liquid that ruined her phone. She had to lie to the manager that it was her fault in order not to receive more hate.

No one offered sympathies nor cared that she protected them. Instead just last night, they continued with the treatment. At dinner, their manager was out for an emergency errand sent by JYP so they called for delivery. When the food came, Junsu ordered her to get some orange juice while the others prepare the table. Jisoo didn’t have a clue about what dreadful punishment they had for her. The moment she took the first mouthful of the food, her cheery expression was drained. The taste was vile, repulsive. It was bitter, salty and sour! She immediately stopped chewing and scanned the faces around her. No one bothered to look at her except Wooyoung, who had a satisfied look dancing in his eyes. All of them planned this. Her heart sank and she wanted to throw up, but she didn’t want to give them the satisfaction they wanted out of her. With all the control she had, Jisoo forced herself not to hurl and ate everything in her plate with a deceiving smile. As soon as dinner was finished, she rushed inside her room and threw up everything she ate in the bathroom. She barely slept that night.

She leaned her back on the wall separating her with the rest of the members. A sigh escaped from her lips asking herself if she could truly fix this mess. Will her efforts bear fruit? It’s still too far to know.

A phone call to her brother would be nice, she thought wistfully. She was sure that once she heard her brother’s voice, her mood will be a lot better. That thought had a nice ring to it. However, calling him might draw suspicion on her brother’s part that would suddenly make an sudden visit. She can’t have that. If her brother comes home and finds out what insane situation she had gotten her into, she didn’t know what will happen. She could only expect the worse. Most likely, he would haul her out of Korea and make her live in Japan permanently.

Jisoo directed her eyes on her feet as she rocked them sideways passing the time. She still has her friends even though it has been more than a month since she last spoke to them.

Too bad her personal phone was at the dorm and she wasn’t allowed to call even if she wanted to. Contract reasons prevented her to reach out to them.

From where she was standing, she could see other idols at the far end of the corridor. They were all getting along, tired but enjoying each other’s company. It made her feel a little jealous. She fervently hoped that someday she would be like them with the rest of 2pm.

A man suddenly came out of nowhere and opened the door of 2PM’s dressing room. She didn’t even notice him until he spoke. “2PM take your places. You’re next after this song.” It was one of the coordinators of the music program. He snapped her out of her wallowing.

She took a peek inside and saw Minjae hyung, their manager, together with the rest of the members standing up; most of them where stretching and warming up their throats. All remaining members went outside, following their manager’s lead. Jisoo followed them meekly, avoiding any of the members’ leering gazes every time they look in her direction.

By the time they arrived backstage, the newly launched group B2ST was in the middle of their song. After this group, they were next to go onstage. That was when her heart started pumping harder than normal. Anticipation made her skin tingle from head to toe. She was starting to wonder the what-ifs and the fear of failure. She shook her head to chase away the worry that was crawling on her skin. Now wasn’t the time to have those thoughts. Her frame of mind should only be in doing well and nothing else.

This B2ST group was promising. They have a great look and has the vocals to last in the industry for years to come. The audience were going crazy over the group especially for the idol that was showing his abs.

“Fans do never get tired of the CHOCOLATE abs. They’re a wondrous thing to have. A special treat for fans and a bait for a large fandom.”, she thought silently.

The idol group on stage ended their song with a flare. Fans were still screaming their name even after their song was finished. They wandered a bit on stage to provide some fanservice to the audience before exiting the stage. They used the opposite end from where 2PM is.

Fans were all hyped up from all the testosterone thrown their way. 

“OK 2PM take your places” The PD signalled us the ‘go’ sign.

2PM already did the sound check and the dry rehearsal earlier. This was the final run where everything will be recorded.

The lights dimmed signalling everyone to take their positions and get ready. The original six members took their place on the center of the stage. Taecyon kneeled in the middle while Chansung was also kneeling behind him. The remaining 4 surrounded the two, lying on the ground. Jisoo went where the piano was. She spotted it near the front, at the right side of the stage from the fan’s point of view. The piano was the same shade of white she was wearing. She sat immediately and trace the keys for the moment. Just a few feet from her were the fans. Jisoo was scared but it didn’t intimidate her to run away. At that time, all she could think was show these people how great 2pm IS.

On the corner of her eye, she saw their manager giving the coordinator the signal to start the song.

Finally it was their turn to flip the stage upside down. It was time to show these fans how great 2PM no matter how many are left.

She pushed her personal feelings aside and turned to her professional self. “Deep breaths”, she told herself while she closed her eyes, trying to get into the zone.

A sound of a heart beating started to come out of the speakers.

CAN YOU FEEL MY HEARTBEAT ~Nichkhun spoke up.

After a few heartbeats coming from the track song, Jisoo ran her fingers on the piano and played.

From first glance, it looks easy to play but her two hands weren’t actually playing at the same time. Her right hand plays a different set of keys from the left. Either way, it doesn’t matter. The important thing was Jisoo doing her best in order not to cause shame to the group.

Taecyon started his part and then followed by Chansung. Wooyoung sang after Chansung’s rap and the others were circling around him and then Junho’s part came where the rest were swaying like the dead. The Chorus centered on Junsu which he had done magnificently well. Nichkhun’s part came not long after the chorus.

All of them were charismatic in the dead y way. Fans were swooning over the energy created by the group’s song, choreography and stage presence. Jisoo, the maknae played the piano like a ghost playing a tune for the undead 2PM members.

For the finale of the song, Chansung made a glorious exit with making a backward flip before dropping dead.

Screams from the fans filled the room, chanting 2PM’s name. Jisoo felt a pride for not ruining the performance. She was glad that it went well.

All 7 exited the stage to give way to the next performer.

“Hyu-” Jisoo was cut short when she received a glare from Junsu. Her eyes scanned the others and judging by the same look in their eyes, congratulations won’t melt their hardened hearts towards him.

“Great Job you guys! I’m glad everyone did it perfectly.” Their manager happily congratulated them.

Only with Minjae’s praise did the original six smiled. Their smile towards the manager felt like a terrible stab in the heart. Jisoo was envious of the warm smiles they were giving their manager. She wished silently that they could smile at her that way.

She stepped where she could never get in anyone’s way. Her head hung low and felt tears prickling her eyes. It took some control to stop the tears from coming out.

“Congratulations… hyungs” Only she could hear the words she spoke.

Hope you enjoy this update!