“Congrats to your successful solo album Taekwoon hyung!” Jaehwan exclaimed as soon as he saw him in the restaurant.

“You’re late hyung! Everyone’s waiting for you and you’re not even the main lead for today’s celebration!” Hyuk teased as Jaehwan rushed over to hug Taekwoon.

“My schedule was running late…But I ran here as soon as I could!” Jaehwan shouted indignantly.

“It’s okay. At least you made it here.” Taekwoon said as he gestured for Jaehwan to sit down.

“Yeah hyung. Wow it’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Since we’ve met up.” Hongbin said, nostalgic.

“I know right. Last time when we were staying together, I didn’t realise but I kind of miss it.” Wonsik said.

“So, how are all of you doing these days?” Taekwoon asked smiling.

“Well, days just go by as usual.” Jaehwan replied.

“If only Hakyeon hyung was here…” Hyuk said.

Silence engulfed the table.

“Yeah, I hope he is doing well…wherever he is.” Hongbin said.

“He didn’t…contact anyone of us since than…right?” Jaehwan asked.

Everyone shook their heads. No one spoke again as everyone looked at their food, all in deep thoughts.

“What’s with this solemn atmosphere?” VIXX’s ex-manager asked as he arrived slightly later.

“Okay let’s not dwell on it. We should enjoy since we’re celebrating the success of Taekwoon’s hyung album.” Wonsik exclaimed, hoping to lift up everyone’s mood.

“Okay I do not know what happened but let’s enjoy!” Their ex-manager exclaimed as he lifted up the glass, garnering the response of others.

After the party ended into wee hours of the night, everyone soon left, leaving Taekwoon alone, waiting for his current manager to pick him up.

Once in the van, Taekwoon could feel the familiar stabbing pain of his gastric acting up again as he let out a slight groan.

“What’s wrong Taekwoon? Your gastric acting up again?” His manager asked worriedly.

“Yeah.” Taekwoon said as he clutched his abdomen with one hand and the other searching his bag for some painkillers.

“That’s why I told you not to forget taking your meals…” His manager mumbled as Taekwoon swallowed the pill before staring out of the window, his manager’s voice trailing off the background.

He let out a small smile as he tried to recall Hakyeon nagging him for forgetting his pills as he eventually drifted to sleep.

“Okay! Let’s wrap up guys!” Hakyeon exclaimed as he finally ended the dance practice.

Groans and sounds of relief could be heard as a long tedious day of practice finally ended.

“Finally.” One of the boys that Hakyeon was teaching, Jaehoon, exclaimed in relief.

Seeing his students sprawling on the floor dripping with sweat brought out a smile on his face. It reminded him of the days when he was still training with VIXX. Although Hakyeon had left the entertainment industry, he couldn’t forgo his passion for dancing so he decided to start up a dance academy to teach students instead. Even if it was in the rural area.

“Guys! You all need to build up your stamina if you’re planning to dance in the future.” Hakyeon said as he shook his head, proceeding to pack his belongings.

“Yes yes, teacher.” The boys replied heartily.

“By the way, guys, did you all hear the new song from the singer, Leo?” Jaehoon asked as he sat up enthusiastically.

Upon hearing a familiar name mentioned, Hakyeon immediately tensed up, trying to listen to what the boys were saying.

“Yes, we did! It was great! That song is really trending all over.” The others replied happily.

When he heard that Taekwoon’s song was successful and he was doing well for himself, he couldn’t help but let a small smile spread across his face. He was happy but more – he was feeling proud. He was glad that the setback didn’t stop him from succeeding, even as a solo singer.

A few days later, Taekwoon had a schedule down in the countryside.

“Taekwoon, do you want me to cancel the schedule today?” His manager asked as he looked at Taekwoon taking the painkiller again.

“No, it’s okay. I’m fine.” Taekwoon muttered. Over the past few days, he could feel the gastric pains becoming more and more persistent but he chose to ignore it.

“But I think it’s better for you to visit the doctor-” His manager persuaded.

“Let’s just go. Otherwise we’ll be late. Don’t worry hyung, I’ll take my meals on time. I promise.” Taekwoon said again.

Reluctantly, his manager nodded his head and drove off.

2 hours later, they finally arrived. Rehearsals started straight after that and he barely had a 5 minutes break when he was swept off, schedules after schedules.

At night, Taekwoon could feel his gastric acting up again and he quickly took some pills, hoping to reduce the pain he was feeling.

Although it was dark out, Taekwoon couldn’t help but feel at peace, looking at the quiet streets.

“Hyung, the hotel isn’t far from, here right?” Taekwoon asked.

“Not really. Why?” His manager asked.

“Can you stop the car? I want to walk there. I think I will feel better breathing in some fresh air.” Taekwoon whispered.

“But what if-” His manager wanted to say but was cut off once again.

“Don’t worry hyung, it already late out. There wouldn’t be any fans. If not I can always hide from them. Please?” Taekwoon pleaded.

Seeing the sincerity radiating from Taekwoon’s eyes, the manager couldn’t help but relent into agreeing.

Once he got off the van, Taekwoon tugged his black hat and hoodie tightly to keep his face hidden, walking into the night.