IT'S a calm and chilly night, the only noise we could hear aside from the chatters are the waves of the sea, indeed it’s a healing time for everyone. The cold breeze of the night was illuminated by the light coming from the bonfire, you can hear the chatters and sharing of stories of these thirteen young lads.

 

“We’ve been through a lot you know. I can’t believe we’ve been around each other for years. But the funny thing is that, we have no idea where everyone came from or what happened before we met in Pledis Academy.”, Seungcheol says to his fellow members.

 

“Why don't we play a game? Like spin the bottle, but the only consequence is that once the bottle stops spinning in front of you, you need to start sharing of who or what you were before?" Seungkwan suggested. He looked around and found the other 12 nodding their heads as a sign of agreement.

 

"That's a good idea, it will help us get to know each other more", said Jeonghan. And they start spinning the bottle, "Ohhh ~ Cheollie hyung's the first" their maknae, Dino, cheers. "Okay, okay. Let me start. When I was fourteen” Seungcheol shared his past hidden from everyone up until now.

 

Being the leader of a 13 member boy group is, without doubt, a very difficult task to do, but being the leader of a 12 member super hyper boy group is, without doubt as well, the hardest thing ever but not for our S.Coups. He adores them and cherishes them so much, whatever they do, he tolerates and guides them all the way. But even a leader as strong and loving as S.Coups, at some point had a dark past too.

 

It was fall, after he turned fourteen; Seungcheol was sitting in his dorm room at Pledis Academy with a boy his age. He was like a king to everybody that he met. He was the headmaster’s favorite. During first month, he made lots of friends, as his personality was compatible with everyone he met. There was never a moment that he wished for anything to be different. He wrote lyrics until he passed out, he studied music until he was sick. It was a perfect love that he created for himself. That same year the headmaster called him into his office, the school needed a new Student Head, as the other had just graduated. The Headmaster wanted Seungcheol to try his hand into it.

“You’re the best choice so far so just try it out. What do you say? Sound like a deal?” said the Headmaster.

“Why did you choose me, Sir?” Seungcheol asked. “If you don’t mind me asking…” The headmaster leaned back into his chair and smiled so gently and kindly that Seungcheol had been fooled. He’d been fooled so badly.

“I’ve reviewed your file and you’re a very impressive student for someone as young as yourself.” He folded his hands, “I trust your judgement Seungcheol, that’s why I chose you.”

What he really meant to say was that he trusted the way he could easily be twisted, as naïve as he is. He trusted the way he could be easily manipulated.

“You really think so, sir?” Seungcheol said looking at the Headmaster.

“I do. And your mother will be very pleased, I’m sure. I’ll put in a good word for you. This is in fact, the highest honor.”

“Then I’ll do the best I can!” He said with conviction while looking at the Headmaster will pride and trust in his eyes.

Seungcheol had done his dirty work. Until his hands were stained. Seungcheol changed over the years. The people he used to hang out with became nameless, became less important. His roommates had been changed, his thoughts shifted. The headmaster had gotten under his skin and into his very being. His soft heart, although it had always been black, was now crushed in a heavy fist. There was a time he remembered the names of all the people he mistreated but as the school years stretched on, the names became lost within the multitude of teary, world-weary eyes.

His whole self-became a lie. Where a boy in a grown up’s world had once been, there was now a man who lived in a world that was all his own. That was probably the worst tragedy of it all.

--

EVERYONE was having a good time, feeling the cool breeze and fresh air in the beach. They never stop playing the game, everyone wanted to know what were the hardships and struggles that the members had been through before they met each other. Until it was Seokmin's turn to share his story.

 

Seokmin was one of the cheerful guys of the group. The rest of the members thought that he might not have any struggles or hardships in life since he lived his life full of happiness and he doesn't seem to have any problems at all.

 

"Everyone might think that I may not experience some hardships since I'm always smiling and I don't care about what other people think about me" DK said. "But behind these cheerful DK that you all know, there was once a gloomy Lee Seokmin" DK continued.

 

"Back when I was still an ordinary guy, you all know what I mean" DK joked around while telling the story. "I was always a happy kid, I always wear this big smile in my face, until I was in the middle school. I don't know if everyone experienced this but I think middle school is the worst years of my life" DK said.

 

"During middle school I was the favorite student, everyone loved me, and that’s what I believe. Being the son of the School President I expected that everyone will be my friend, they would never betray me or even bully me. Even though I was the President's son I would never ever use that against my schoolmates. I wanted them to treat me as an ordinary kid, but I guess everyone wasn't thinking that way." DK said.

 

"I was on my way to class that time, it was after lunch break" DK said, breaking the ice in his story with a smile in his face. "Okay let's continue. I heard some of my friends murmured around the corner." DK continued.

 

DK mimicking his schoolmate’s voice. "Guys you know what, DK is so annoying. I wouldn't make friends with him if he wasn't the School president’s son."  Said schoolmate #1

 

"Yes, my mom asked me all the time if I was friends with the president's son since we're in the same class" said Schoolmate #2

 

"Everyone’s being nice to him since he’s the president's son. If I know if he wasn't the president's son no one would ever want to be friends with him" continued by Schoolmate#1

 

"Also the teachers, I heard them talking last time in the faculty, that DK’s not the kind of student who would excel in academics." Schoolmate#3 shared.

 

"DK’s just so full of himself, he thought that he was everyone's favorite and friend, but the truth is that, he's just his father's son" Schoolmate #1 said bitterly.

 

"That’s so accurate" supported by Schoolmate #2, everyone started laughing without knowing that Seokmin heard everything.

 

"After hearing all of that, I went out of the campus, which was the first time I skipped class, I knew that I wanted to be alone at that time. After everything that I’d heard I didn't talk to everyone around school, I changed my personality; I changed how I approached other people in school. I wanted to prove them that I am not just my father's son that i am me. I want them to know, what I am capable of." DK said.

 

"After that day, the cheerful and happy kid Lee Seokmin banished like a bubble that disappeared after it being popped" DK said. "But later on I met someone; a new friend who helped made me realized that I don't need a lot of friends to be happy, I just need to have that single friend that can understand me and know my worth, who sees me as Lee Seokmin and not the school president's son" DK ended his story.

 

EVERYONE was still trying to process DK’s story when Mingyu suddenly raised his right hand and said "I am that friend, the one DK talked about" all the members were surprised hearing this from Mingyu and without spinning the bottle Mingyu proceeded on sharing his side of the story.

 

"I used to be in the same class with DK in middle school. I was a transferee student before because in my previous school, I got bullied verbally and physically" Mingyu said. "They always make fun of my skin tone. As you can see I really don't have that pale white Korean skin that everyone has and I am also tall. In my previous school they always make fun of me and call me names about it. They sometimes call me "The Walking Coconut" and etc. Later on, My mother found out that I got bullied in my school, she decided to transfer me in other for the sake of my life and I got transfer in that school were DK attended" Mingyu continued.

 

"When I got transferred to DK's school, at first, I was just being mute and avoids people because of what I've experienced before. One day, when I passed by that one corner at school, I heard some students who talked about this boy negatively and I noticed that the boy that they were talking about heard everything and just walked away." Mingyu sighed while leaning backwards.

 

"After that incident, I always noticed him, he was so quiet and he’s so distant towards other people, I got some information that his name was Lee Seokmin, he’s the son of the President of our school. After hearing this, I had the conclusion that maybe he was so distant towards others because of those things that he heard, that everyone was being being friendly and kind towards him because he was the president's son. All of his friends got annoyed and talked back to him and this made me sick. From then on, I decided that I want to be friends with him since I've experienced the same kind of bullying before." Mingyu said.

"I really don't care about title being the president's son, I don't care about profiles, I just know that someone needed my help" Mingyu continued.

 

"So I started following him wherever he goes, but I failed, I always slipped or tripped to the floor and stairs and my hurts a lot during that time." Mingyu said while pouting. The members just laughed of Mingyu's clumsiness, even DK laughed remembering what he did before.

 

Mingyu continued his story while pouting, "Then one day when I was following DK, I slipped on the floor, and there was someone who help me and it was him, DK, he help me to go up on my feet, he asked me if I was ok, and I answered him that i was fine. We introduced ourselves, he told me that it’s his first time seeing me at school. We talked for a while then I explained to him that I was a transfer student being the reason why he hasn’t seen me before and the reason why did I have to transfer school. That’s the start of our friendship." Mingyu said.

 

"And that’s the end of Mingyu's slipping saga" DK laughingly added. And as if in cue everyone just burst into fits of laughter.

 

"Look what your friendship did, you didn't just help each other in overcoming your middle school struggles but you also helped each other to live life and reach your dreams together" Woozi said. Everyone agreed to Woozi. "You don't have to worry, you have us now, we're Seventeen you know, and we’re practically brothers from different parents. We will stick with each other no matter what and help each other in every way possible" S.Coups added looking at everyone’s eye with pride and adoration.

 

IT WAS Mingyu’s turn to spin the bottle, everyone is excited but the bottle pointed towards Jeonghan.

 

His eyes went wide, he was not ready, and he can't speak anything… not yet. He knows that he can't spill his past because it can ruin everything for him. He composed himself and looked at everyone in the eye trying to act as calm as he could be but failing miserably.

 

"Talk!" said Vernon irking to know what’s the older is thinking.

 

"Well... there's nothing I can tell you guys. You know that I hate secrets. So... I don't have anything to talk about”. Jeonghan said while writing something on the sand.

 

"Yes! We all know that. You hate secrets? Damn!" Jun suddenly stood up, anger can be seen through his eye despite the darkness of the night.

 

"Are you serious, Jeonghan? Just tell them the truth! God!" Jun's face is all red from anger.

 

"Truth? What truth?" Hoshi said, confused of the sudden turn of events.

 

"Hey, what are you talking about?" Wonwoo added.

 

"Please... Jun... can you please..." Jeonghan is now teary-eyed.

 

"Please! Tell them the truth. I can't hide it anymore." Jun said pleadingly while looking at Jeonghan’s figure.

 

"What's happening, huh?" Seungkwan said looking at no one in particular, everyone is now confused of what’s happening.

 

"Jun... please..." Jeonghan hold Jun's hands.

 

"Tell them... tell them that... that you almost killed someone." Jun revealed.

 

"WHAT!?" all of the members got shocked.

 

"Wait! Jeonghan, is that true? You ALMOST killed someone?" Woozi.

 

"Guys... I'm sorry." Jeonghan said while covering his crying face with his hands.

 

"Spill out the whole truth, dude!" Myungho.

 

"Sorry, guys. I'm so sorry.” Jeonghan cries like a river.

 

“Why did you do that?" Seungcheol gently tapped Jeonghan's shoulder.

 

"Revenge..." Jeonghan started.

 

"I just want to revenge. He killed the woman whom I loved and took care. He killed her." Jeonghan form a fist, anger flaring.

 

"Who's that man you're talking about?" Mingyu said curiously.

 

"My dad. He killed her. He killed my mother." Jeonghan's anger was felt by the others.

 

"But still... you don't have the right to do that.  You almost killed a person. The worst thing is that, he’s still your dad." the youngest Dino said.

 

"No! I didn't. He's not human. He's evil!" Jeonghan abruptly stood up and pushed Seungcheol and runaway.

 

The members were all surprised of the turns of events. Seungcheol and the other members ran after him. Seungcheol found Jeonghan crying his heart out, he silently went behind Jeonghan and hugged him tightly. He cried louder pouring out all his tears and pain he’s been hiding all this time. The other members found them and silently come up to the two hugging figure. Jeonghan calmed down and he felt thankful hearing the other members saying comforting words to him, he agreed to with them, “it's all in the past now.”

 

After Jeonghan’s breakdown, Jun voluntered to share his past.. his ultimate secret. His burden.

 

JUN is a very well-known Male Lead Actor who managed to have a very big break on a younger age. He’s a young, workaholic actor and is a very good judge of character and identity. He could actually see right through the shady motives of the flirtatious actresses who shamelessly threw themselves upon him. He absolutely had no time for love and pleasure anymore after he met his biological mom. That’s why we could actually consider him as a man who’s married to his profession, which was pretty unfortunate since he’ so charismatic, talented, intelligent, husband-material and aside from that he’s being surrounded by gorgeous and most influential ladies in the Showbiz Industry.

 

A sudden weird ringtone broke the tranquil atmosphere of the room. Jun woke up so lazily, rubbed his mysterious sleepy eyes. Picked up the phone then answered the call huskily, “Hello Manager? What’s the matter? I thought today’s my day off? You know my rules! I don’t want to be contacted when it’s my free time not unless it’s very urgent”

 

“Jun! You’re really my lucky charm! I’m so blessed to have you!” his manager replied happily..

 

“Come on Manager! Please cut the chase! What is it? I’m tired as hell and I don’t want to waste my time listening to your nonsense....” Jun’s manager interrupted him and said, “Alright! I’m sorry okay? I called you because you will be having a great comeback this season! You’ve been casted as the Male Lead and Zai will be the Female Lead! It’s a perfect match! It is your dream project right?”

 

Jun threw the sheet covering him, “For real manager? Oh my gosh! This is unbelievable! Please email to me the script okay? Thank you for informing me but I’ll hung up now. Bye!” Jun ended the call with mixed emotions on his face and continued his TO-DO LIST for that day.  

 

It was a Saturday afternoon, that fateful and destined Saturday afternoon which changed his life big time. Jun wore the best suit. Anyone who would see his face could actually say that he’s very happy and excited. He then went to the said venue for the presscon which was about the movie, the movie that he looked forward of having because it would be his greatest comeback.

 

He confidently entered the venue but the security guard waylaid on his way and said "Excuse me Sir, where's your invitation card?"

 

Jun was confused "Huh? Invitation card? For what? I'm the lead actor and I have a press conference today. So, please excuse me" He suddenly entered the venue but the security guard waylaid again on his way.

 

"Sorry Sir, But what's your name?" Jun became a bit pissed off and irritated but calmly said, "I'm Wen Junhui, okay? I have to go, I'm late"

 

Finally, he was able to enter the said venue but he was kinda disappointed and shocked because the presscon has already started without his presence.

 

"Miss Zai what's the title of your new project?" One of the reporter asked. "What about your partner? Who is he?" He added. "Actually about the title of new project is secret. And the about my lead man he is..." Zai smiled and looked for Jun and when she finally she saw him she smiled sweetly. "Yook Sungjae" Zai said. She couldn’t stop smiling because she was able to witness Jun’s reaction.

 

Meanwhile…

 

Jun was shocked. "Is this a joke? A prank? A show?" He’s now confused "No, this is just a joke right? What did she say? Sungjae is going to be her partner and not...not me? What the . What’s happening? My manager just called me last time saying that I’ll be the lead actor, but what is it? It’s not making any sense!” Jun murmured. He clenched his jaw and unknowingly closed his fist.

 

Zai pretended to be surprised when she saw Jun, then she decided to call him "Oh? Jun! What brought you here?" She smiled weirdly and the reporters were intrigued.

 

Meanwhile Jun walked towards Zai and pulled her arms.  “What is this?" He whispered. “Huh? What do you mean?” She asked. "What Do I mean? Zai! I'm the lead Man of this god d*mn new project, but what is this? Why did you pick Sungjae as a lead man I thought It’s me? "Jun said.

 

"Huh? Hahahaha So you really believed my dad?" She laughed evilly! Jun looked confused.

 

“What? What did you say? Believed your dad?" And he looked in his manager.

 

"Yes, Jun. Your manager is my dad so are you surprised?" Zai said.

 

"Jun?Jun?Jun? I'm not Stupid! I already knew the reason why you broke up with me! It’s because you have a relationship with another woman! Not just a woman, but a MARRIED one. But I don't freaking care, but then I abhor you when I found out that the woman you’re seeing is my mom!” Zai hysterically said.

 

Jun looked nervous and accidentally let go of her hand. "Wha..what? Do you mean?" He asked.

 

"What do I mean? Here! Watch this!” She opened her laptop and played a video clip and projected it. The screen showed the compilation of pictures and video clips of the old woman, who was Jun's love affair. That old lady was his stepping stone towards a successful life and she’s also the one who helped him enter showbiz.

 

“Zai! It’s not true! It’s not what you think." He said trying to convince her.

 

"It’s not true? Are you kidding me Jun? Look, the pictures are legit. You’re dating an old married woman and the worst part of it is that she's my mom! You made her as your sugar mom! You’re worst! You broke up with me but then you started seducing my mom! For what? For money? Fame? Glory? or is it love?” She accusingly asked and slapped Jun.

 

"No! Let me explain Zia. Yes, I broke up with you and the reason why I kept on meeting your mom is because she is..?” He suddenly stopped and remembered the moment with the old woman.

 

"She is my…”

 

"Stop it Jun I can’t, don’t and won’t believe you anymore. You know what? We did not ask you to be here for this new project and be my leading man, we asked you to be here to wake you up for the fact that you are a gold digger! You asked me to be your girlfriend, even tricked my mom for you to shine and reach those dreams of yours? Am I correct, Jun?"

 

"No! It’s not tru-.."

 

"Explain these pictures then! Pictures of both you and mom hanging out together and you both looked happy!” she said while yelling.

 

Jun was speechless because he is afraid to say the truth to Zia and infront of many people. "What should I do I thought she already knew everything but I'm wrong." He said to himself.

 

"She's not my sugar mommy! She's my mom, our mom. Yes she's my biological mother to be exact. I only realized that we have the same mom when you asked me to visit you. She recognized me and we’re both happy but we decided to keep that as a secret for you because we don’t want to hurt you!

 

That time I was so shocked when I got to know that Zia is my mom’s daughter, the Zia that everyone loves to be my partner in any kind of movies. The same girl who later “the girl of my dreams”. I was really happy when our feelings were mutual. I courted her, I did everything to prove how much I love her and fortunately, she said Yes, that was one of the best day in my life. But that day comes, I broke up with her, I told her that I didn't love her for real, that everything was just a white lie even though the truth is I'm just lying to her when I said those words. I did those things so that once she would know the truth, the truth that we are siblings, she would feel less hurt. After that day, I cut all of our connections including my connections to our mom. I want to think, I want to be alone and I did not expected this to happen.

 

"What are you thinking? Are you thinking of lies again. On how to escape this type of mess huh?" He heard Zia’s voice full of accusations while crying. Suddenly Jun realized that he started to zoom out.

 

"Yes" Jun said without emotions. That got everyone shocked including Zia. "Yes, I have a relationship with her" Jun continued and Zia got really really mad at him, without any warning, Zia slapped him continuously while shouting" I hate you!! I hate you and my mom. I despise both of you.”

 

“I'm sorry Zia!! I can't tell you the truth yet maybe when the right time comes. You can hate me but I wish you won't hate our mother. Sorry Zia.” Jun says in his mind.

 

"Get out, Get out Jun, don't you dare show your face to me again or even that damn shadow of yours" Zia continued shouting towards Jun while pushing him to leave.

 

While Jun’s leaving the venue, his tears started to fall. He blamed himself for everything that happened to him that day. He didn't even know what to do after. He thought that maybe, this is the end of his career.

 

He was walking aimlessly, some people recognize him and started talking to themselves, "Hey! He's an artist right?"

 

"Yes, that's Jun. You know what? I heard that he has an affair with someone who's really rich to become an artist.”

 

"Oh? Really?"

 

"Yes. They were having a live prescon for a movie, just few minutes ago. If you saw the whole scene, you would pity his ex too. I couldn’t believe that he only used her and at the same time be in a relationship with an old married woman. And the shocking part is that the old married woman’s his ex girlfriend’s mother. My gosh!!”

 

"Woah!! Such pretty face but so evil. He even broke a family just for money and fame. Such a gold digger.”

 

Jun heard them, he heard every word that those people said but he didn’t care, he continued walking until he reached his house.

 

“Argh!! I hate this. Everyone hates me now. They don't know even know the whole story.”  He was frustrated and tired. Sitting on the cold floor, he took out his phone and browse through his social media accounts. Even though he already knew that everyone will leave hateful comments towards him.

 

Facebook Posts

 

"Wen Junhui is in a relationship with an old married woman, mother of his ex-girlfriend, Zia. One of his reason is money and to be in the showbiz industry.”

 

Comments:

- For real? Heol, really, money can do everything even changing someone.

- I really like Jun. He's my idol. But after this I think I can no longer support him.

- If only I knew from the beginning that he only wants money, I should have offered him to become my boyfriend. Haha!!

- Really. People now a days, will do everything just to have money even to use and hurt someone.

- I really love Jun but when I saw this news, I started hating him. I'm also mad to that woman, just because she has money, she used it to get that boy even though she already knows that guy is her daughter's boyfriend.

 

Jun threw his phone and lie down to his bed and slowly cry himself "I'm really stupid" he whispered. He fell asleep with dried tears on his cheeks.

 

The next morning he arranged all of his things. He went to his manager and told him to leave and cut his contract as an artist. He will pay for every cents that he needs to pay. After that, he went to Korea and started a life, living quietly and without someone to judge him.

 

EVERYONE fell silent after Jun’s confession but nobody dared to speak. They didn’t know he had such burden until Jun spoke.

 

The game continued and everyone was so hyped. They were all focused on the spinning bottle, waiting for the next member to be pointed next.  And then it pointed Hoshi.

 

“Oh~ Kwon Soonyoung it’s your time to spill the bean” Vernon said. “Wha~~ I never thought that there would be a time that I would share this to you guys” Hoshi mumbled. “Why do I have this feeling that this will be exciting?” The8 said while rubbing his palms together.

 

“A few years ago, I joined dancing Showdown in Seoul” Hoshi started. “It was a big dance showdown competition where I get to meet a lot of great dancers. Right in the corner of my eyes, I saw this beautiful girl. I knew right there that Cupid’s Arrows pierced my heart. It’s indeed a LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!” Hoshi said smiling bitterly.

 

“I was supposed to greet her but I chickened out. Good thing we had a mutual friend who introduced us to each other. Her name is Sofie. We got to know each other, Sofie and I became good friends. It was until I decided to man up and confess to her that I like her. She didn’t respond to me that time, I was afraid that will not talk to me after that, that she hates me, then she called saying she has something to tell me. I was so nervous and excited; I thought that time that my life’s in its perfect path since my dance group was accepted to join this big Competition that MBC’s been handling and I assumed that the girl I like would answer me already.” Hoshi said with all of hopes in his voice.

 

“That day has come, the day that I would be meeting the girl of my dreams. I checked myself in the mirror. Making sure that everything is perfect, that I look pleasing in her eyes, I even reserved a table in Eysa Restaurant. I was feeling excited because finally, I would have a dinner with Sofie. A smile played on my lips, sated with how he looks, then I picked up my bag and slid in the small box that I prepared for Sofie as a gift” Hoshi narrated with a smile in his lips.

 

“Finally, Sofie arrived at the restaurant. I can’t take my eyes of her. She was extremely beautiful and I know that I would do everything for her just to hear her say “YES!”accepting me as her boyfriend. “It’s the perfect moment” I said to myself. During our dinner, I noticed that Sofie’s not at ease and she kept on glancing at her phone. I ignored it because I was way too excited to execute my plan. I gently touched Sofie’s ring finger and showed the diamond ring saying, “Will you be my girl?” Sofie pursed her lips and said, “Hosh... As much as I would love to be your girl but I think I’m not ready yet. I’m sorry but I want you to prove to me that you’re willing to do everything to win my heart and make me say yes first!” Hoshi stopped narrating his story. His lips were trembling with unshed tears. He was about to cry in front of everyone, the members felt bad for looking at him like that.

 

“I calmly told her—“ Don’t be sorry baby girl! I promise, I’ll do everything for you!” Hoshi said, continuing his story. “I was so disappointed in myself at the same time I was embarrassed, that I assumed that after all that friendship that we had, I thought that there would be a slight chance that there would be an “US’.” Hoshi said controlling his tears.

 

“But she gave me a second chance; she told me that there’s a way that we could be together. She asked me to let Brent win that MBC Dancing Competition. That I should help them win and be part of their team and after that she could be my girlfriend. I didn’t know what happened or what was I thinking back then! But sad to say, I just abandoned my group and joined Brent’s group. I didn’t tell my group mates that I wouldn’t be participating with them in the competition because I didn’t know what would I tell them, what would be my reason/s for quitting the group. Until the day of the completion had come, I choreographed everything in Brent’s group. I was so ashamed of myself since that choreography is slightly the same with my original’s group performance that night. After all of the performances, MBC announced the winner and the winner was Brent’s group. My original group was accused as copycats and there, I saw disappointment, anger and betrayal on my group mates’ eyes. I knew that I deserved all the hate, the disappointment and anger. I was a jerk, but I didn’t care and disregard my guilt since I was way too happy and excited because after doing all those s, Sofie would now become my girlfriend. And that’s was more important and my dream after all.” Hoshi said with a bitter grin on his face.

 

“I was ready to go to Sofie and tell her that I made Brent’s group won the competition. I kept looking for her everywhere; asked everyone if they saw Sofie. The crew told me that Sofie’s in the dressing room. I was walking towards the dressing room but when I opened the door. DAMN! I knew that all of those were just a bunch of words filled with lies. I saw Brent and Sofie kissing. I was filled with anger and punched Brent straight on his face. Sofie was shocked to what I did.” Hoshi said filled with anger in his voice.

 

“Everything you said was just a lie. Sofie, I thought that, you had the same feeling for me. How can you do this to me? How can you make me betray my own group? You're so evil. I can't believe I fell in love with someone like you” Hoshi spat in anger with a mixed of hurt in his voice. He didn't bothered hearing Sofie’s side because he believes that it would be full of lies again.

 

Because he is so damn hurt and broken, Hoshi thought that going to a bar will help ease his current emotions and feelings. While he's busy drowning himself to alcohol, he felt that someone sits near him. And there he met someone whose name is Jun.

“And that's how the two of us met” Hoshi said while smiling sadly to Jun.

 

EVERYONE went still, silently supporting Hoshi with their presence and smiles. The bottle continued to spin seeking for the next storyteller then it stops, The8 was chosen.

 

It was his first day in the University where he met a girl named Samantha. He was lovestruck, he never thought he would feel this way, this kind of feeling is very new to him, that he was capable of loving someone. He was a living example of a person who fell in love at first sight, the day he met Samantha. And well luck is on his side, Samantha was his classmate.The professor was busy writing the lesson on the board when The8 crumpled a paper threw on the board were his professor was standing. Unfortunately, the paper hit the head of the professor, his entire class laughs except Samantha. “You deserve that” The8 said and left the classroom. No one knew why The8 did that.

It was lunch break when Samantha decided to talk to The8 and ask why on earth did he do that to their professor. She was looking for The8 when she saw him walking in the corridor walking towards the field with his friends. She knows that The8 is a gang member specifically a gang leader.despite knowing this she’s not scared. She finally spotted him and was about to go up to him when she stopped. Her jaw dropped seeing The8 and his gang beating a weak and fat man into a pulp. She marched towards their group and harshly yanks Minghao’s arms.   

 

“Why do you do this to him? He didn’t do anything bad to you.” Samantha furiously asked The8.

 

“Do you really want to know?” he asked, giving her a challenging look.

 

“Yes,” giving him the same look. “Tsk. It's because he’s fat” The8 said earning a glare from Samantha and laugh from s.

 

“Really? You only did that because he is fat? Oh come on! You’re a jerk!” Samantha said turning all red from anger.

 

The8 slowly walk up to Samantha until their faces are close. “You don’t know me so stop pretending that you do.” He said smirking and walked away with his friends. Samantha ran pass him and blocked his way. She looked at The8 with determination and challenge.

 

“That’s why I want to know you better. I want to know why you always do that! Why do you always beat someone like him?” Samantha asked, fire evident in her eyes.

 

The8 looked at her in the eyes with his questioning gaze, “And why do you want to know me huh?”

 

“Bec..Beca..Because I like you,” Samantha said stuttering.

 

To tell that he was shocked was an understatement, he was bewildered, why him? His head fall down, his shoulders started shaking, Samantha was starting to get worried then he laughed out loud. “Hahaha! Are you kidding me, you, Samantha like the The8? I always get into trouble, i beat people! Samantha, you don’t deserve me.” The8 seriously said. He left her standing dumbfounded.

 

The8 and his gang went up to the rooftop. Sitting at the edge of the building, head tilt upward looking at the sky. He didn’t notice the look s are giving him, Dongjin, went up to him.

 

“Why did you say that to Samantha?” Dongjin said, one of the gang members.

 

“I know that you like her. You said that the first time you saw her you already fell in love with her” Jeonghan said, one of .

 

“I know but… I’m scared that one day, she’s going to be in trouble because of me.” The8 said.

 

“You know that…she’ll be in danger because I'm a part of a gang and  a leader at that.” he continued. “You also knew that I only beat that man because of my father.”

 

Flashback

 

When The8 was in middle school, he always got beaten by his dad. Because his father was always angry when he saw the fat The8. The8 didn’t know why his father always did that when he’s drunk. Until he reached high school, he said to himself that they also need to feel the feelings of being beaten only because they are fat. That is when The8 start to beat fat man.

 

End Of Flashback

 

AS THE NIGHT goes deeper so was the groups’ knowledge of each other. It was Wonwoo’s turn to share his story…

Everyone is shook when the bottle stop at Wonwoo. They all know what kind of person Wonwoo is, even though before it’s hard for them how to approach him because of his cold aura and its less expression.
“OMG! Are we going to hear some story about him guys huh? For Real?” Seungkwan said with high excited voice.”
“You know Bro, it’s unfair if you will not tell us some on who you are before, story before”. Joshua Added.
“Tell us, something we didn’t know about you Hyung if you have too.” Vernon
“I’m not really open to people. I’m usually a quiet person and don’t like attention, but your different from others, so I like you all. It's enough reason for me to show you the real me. Okay, let me share some bits of me" Wonwoo said.

“You know what guys, I came from a family that has nothing but a falling farm and a sick mother. My dad used to run the farm, but because of being too irresponsible, the farm has fallen and we didn't had enough resources for us to live and help my dying mother. But that moment didn't bother me as a kid. All I thought about those days are just how to get away with my dad and play with my dog, Cleo.

It was late that evening when I had so much fun with Cleo, she finally learned how to roll over, and Cleo and I run back to the farm. I saw my dad drinking but it was never new to me. But this time, his face was nothing but pure shame and disappointment.

As I call my mom, excited to tell her how my day went, as I reached her room, there were people I barely even know with tears on their eyes. My mother is gone. I didn't even had the chance to say goodbye, but she is gone. I couldn't feel my knees, I flock down the floor, didn't know what to feel.

I just don't get it. Why does the things and people we love have to slip away?. I just can't contain the sadness. Maybe one day I will understand and I'll be waiting for that day, for me to be okay.” Wonwoo said while wiping his tears away.

“ I do understand how you feel hyung but then again, everything happens for a reason and for a certain purpose. Once something or someone would leave, just think that something or someone better would come!” Vernon commented.

“Yes! And that’s why we’re here! We’re your family! We won’t leave you because we love you hyung!” Dino replied.

“Alright! Let’s cut this drama! I don’t want to be the center of attraction now! Let’s spin the bottle again!” Wonwoo foolishly suggested. The boys laughed and started spinning the bottle again.

“Look! Who’s next! Our ever dearest Uji! The king of #Oppaya! Hahaha!” The8 said.

-

ACTUALLY, Woozi’s not as special and blessed as what you think. He knew that he was different than most of the members. His past wasn't as dark as theirs, but their past were not as traumatic as his.

Everybody might think of him as just an ordinary man who was not blessed in height, but he was more than what his image and physical dictates.

It all started when Woozi was in 4th year high school. He was bullied because of his physical appearance so, no one wants to be friends with him but without them knowing that he’s actually a gifted  boy. He composes and writes song that express his emotion. Until one day, when Woozi was singing in the garden, a girl named Baiplu approached him and appreciated his good voice.
"Hi, I am Baiplu, Your voice is so amazing. " the girl said.
"Uhhmm... I..am..Woozi. Thank you,  You are the first one to recognize my voice." Woozi said.

After that incident they became close friends. Woozi became inspired to compose more songs and their friendship led them to a another level, which was being in relationship.

But a certain event happened. Woozi composed so many songs that expressed his feelings but Baiplu took Woozi's songs and made known to others that that she did it. She didn't give any credits to Woozi and she even accused him for being so nosy. Since then, Woozi's heart shattered into pieces and feel betrayed by the one he loved and started the most. Woozi changed himself. He got into fights, drank alcoholic drinks until he would passed out, smoked like there’s no tomorrow but thanks to that because he was able to hear about Pledis Academy.

“Hmm. You mean, you passed out in front of Pledis Academy?” Jeonghan asked.

“You could actually say that! Haha” Woozi exclaimed while scratching his head.

“Great! And that’s a BLESSING IN DISGUISE! Thanks to that alcohol then!” The8 said that made everyone laughed! And while everyone’s still trying to recover from Woozi’s past, the rest of the  members were already teasing Vernon.

VERNON’S not good when it comes to sharing his past because he’s a happy person and in fact he already moved on. Yes, he already moved on but he could still remember it clearly.

Have you ever been this kind of friend? A friend who's secretly having a crush on her best friend?

 

Well he is. It cannot be helped even though he did try, he did hardly try. Believe him or not, Vernon tried to ignore her all the time but every single laugh just hits him big time. And believe him or not, he tried to be supporting role on her life but his heart wants to be the leading man. And he swears to God, this can't be helped.

 

He fell so deeply. He fell so damn hard that he can't now go back to where he started to fall. Climbing is harder even though there's a rope because the heart wants what it wants, and his wants to stay at this point even though everything is breaking it.

 

Princess, his best friend and Cliff is his boyfriend. Yeah, she found her real leading man. He supported her. And God knows how much of his time he sacrificed just to help every time she needed him.

 

He want to see her everyday, his heart wants to.

He wants to witness every chapter of her life.

And he will endure every pain she was causing unconsciously, his heart wants to.

His boyfriend ask for his help. Asking him what his BEST FRIEND wants. He just said,  "Give her roses on black wrapper. She doesn't like flowers, really!"

 

He obeyed him. He just can't believe that because of that, they had their first damn kiss. He sounded bitter, sorry. His heart sank at that moment where she detailed everything on her dates. And everything was stolen from him.

 

He was confined for a week when I felt something aching on my chest. The doctor said that there's nothing wrong and he suspected that I was emotionally hurt and heartbreak has no cure, yet.

 

Guess what? There's no Princess on that damn week-long confinement of his. She did not show up. She's busy. He knows.

 

"Are you okay? Sorry for not being there with you. Cliff has a fever. Im sorry, hope you forgive me" she texted me when she got home that night.

 

"Im not ing okay, and you're the reason why Im being like this. I have no appetite to eat because you're all in my mind; every absence of yours makes me think that I wasn't enough, that he's a diamond and Im one of a hell pebble, that I don't matter. I hate you, I hate that I love the way you’re hurting me. I hate that you're still the one that my heart wants even though you're causing pain. I hate that I'm trying my best not to love you" he nearly replied but after wiping his tears ( he knew It would be so gay. Boy? Crying? It’s so big deal for girls) he typed again.

 

"I'm better, don't worry! Take care of him. You did nothing wrong at all ?"

 

Crazy him. Dumb him.

 

After a  few years, he watched how Princess walked  on the aisle towards her soon to be husband. Listened to how they exchanged their vows and how the newly wed kissed. After that, he kept stealing a glance at her, until she saw him. She ran towards him and hugged him. Vernon was happy, she remembered him..

 

"Vernon, I'm married now. Look at my ring. Oh my gosh I can't believe it!”

 

Upon watching how happy and contented Princess was. He decided to let go of his feelings since he realized that if he really loved her enough then he should be willing to set her free and be with the man she loved and chose to spend her life with for the rest of her life. And that he should be happy for the newly wed and should wish them luck!

 

-

AS their game continued, Seungkwan playfully glares at the bottle and hoping that somehow it would not turn and stop to him. But unfortunately, luck’s not on his side and it’s now his turn to share the saddest part of his old self.

"It started when I was in pre-school. The teacher announced that we are going to conduct a theater play the following week." Seungkwan started his story.
 

“And the day that we have been waiting for finally arrived. As we’re preparing for our turn to perform, I was scanning through the audiences to see if my parents were sitting on the spots reserved for them.

 

“When it was our group's turn, I scanned again hoping that they’re already there ready to cheer me on but to my disappointment, they did not. I'm the only one whose parents’ seats were left  empty. My body suddenly covered by sadness or maybe fear. I can't no longer understand what I felt that time. I started to lose focus on what I was doing.

“When the spotlight’s on me…  having this shaky and husky voice, I sang but it was out of tune since I couldn’t no longer handle my feelings. I heard everyone laughing and teasing me. I frozed to where I was standing. And I couldn’t find the way out of that embarrassment except for me to run away and hide in a corner where no one would notice me. When the play has ended, that was the time when my parents came rushing to me but instead of becoming happy,I just simply stared at them. They tried to explain why they came late and they even tried their best for me to feel better. But after that event, whenever there's an activity in our school, I never tried  participating again even if they kept on convincing me. It was like all my self-confidence suddenly disappeared. That’s when my parents decided to let me study at Pledis Academy to regain my self-confidence and to enhance more of my talents.”

 

A CREAK can be heard between the peaceful rockets of the meeting soil and the waving waters. Joshua stayed still. His limbs went all numb as the bottle spinned and stopped in front of him. He stared at it for a few seconds.

 

“Guess I couldn’t get away with this, huh?” A sardonic laugh escaped, letting his adam's apple move in response to the vibration it caused.

 

The members stayed silent, a sign of waiting for the man’s hidden story.

Handsome and talented, Joshua was among the pretty faces of Seventeen. He is an amazing vocalist, guitar player and not to mention a pretty boy.  No one would have thought that someone like him have the most terrible past.

When he was a child, Joshua never understood why his mother always went to work at night instead in the morning like every adult around his child self would, and as always, he would be left alone, sleeping on his own after his mother bid him goodbye and said she loved him so much while ruffling his hair. He then would be patiently waiting for the next day to come just to see his mother again.

 

Joshua loved his mother so much because after all, he only had his mother. He always wondered why his father left him and his mother when, even though he could not remember everything well, traces of memories when his father playfully hugged and lifted him high up in the air as if he was the cutest son in the world, lovingly carried his mother in his sturdy arms when she was having a bad fever and could not walk was wondering fresh in his mind.
 

However, just like any other children, he would then innocently ask, “Where is Daddy, Mama?” and with a smile that he could not comprehend yet as a sad smile since he was just a child at that time.
 

His lovely mother would reply him with “Daddy is busy, baby.” and whenever he would ask her again, she would give him the same answer, over and over again.

But could someone be so busy until he or she could not come back home and see his or her family? It would make him happy, would be enough for his little self if it would be just for an hour, half of it was fine too, as long as, he could meet his father. Yet, his father never came back. Daddy never came back.

“Is Joshua a bad boy?” Joshua then would always childishly asked himself that, despite knowing he would not get an answer in return because only his father could give him an answer for that, but Daddy never returned home.

However, just like other children. He would forget about it and played with the toys that his mother bought for him. He had so many toys, though. So many yet he did not have anyone to play with. His mother would usually be sleeping after she was back from her work, worn out. The only  one who was taking care of him was the maid that his mother had hired to take a good care of him. Giving him so many toys, yet having no time to play with him. It was fine, though, as long as his mother would come back home to him.

 

As a child, Joshua felt so afraid if his mother would not come back like how his father did. Thus, that was the reason why he would be smiling so bright and hugged his mother whenever he heard the front door of their apartment was being opened by someone from the outside. It was fine,  as long as, his mother did not leave him.

However, as time passed by, he started to learn about his mother's job and just what and where his mother was working as and at. His mother was a high-class e. A high-class e at a nightclub near the town. Without understanding anything about how the work worked, he felt so proud of it because his mother was a high-class e. He did not know what does e mean at that time. But, it was a high-class job. He only understood the high-class part, but not e. Therefore, little Joshua would feel so proud of his mother. Plus, his lovely mother was working, wearing herself out for him and them. Only his mother.

But… His child self could not ever understand just why would his mother's friends were being so close with him, treating him like a precious doll and touching him at the parts where he thought was private parts of every human.

 

Were not his little Joshua, and chest private parts? That was why they would always be covered with clothes, right? That was what his child self thought of. But, that did not apply to him.

 

“Ah, maybe every kid has to endure it.” He then would always tell himself that and would stay still when his mother's friends would come to their house when his mother was not home, working or had things to do, called his name, so that he would get close to them, took him to sit on their laps, said sweet things to him that would make him cutely giggle and opened his clothes until he was left …

“It is cold.” He would say.

 

But they would tell him to “Endure for a bit, hm? It will not be long. Joshua is a good boy, right?” Desiring and wanting to always be a good boy. So that, they would not leave him like how his father did. His child self did nothing but enduring everything that they would do to him.

“You are so cute, baby boy.”

They said he was cute.

“Do you like it?”

Without understanding what actually had happened to him, he would nod his small head, even when they were touching his little Joshua and played with his almost non-existent s yet.

 

They would play with his body and gently reminded him right after that he should not tell his mother about it, that it had to be a secret between them. And like a good boy he badly wanted to be, little Joshua had obeyed and told absolutely nothing to his mother about whatever her friends had done to him when she had returned home. He kept it as a secret, just like how they told him to do.

Besides, he also thought that he did not have to tell his mother because "It happened to other kids too, right?”
Thus, his mother knew nothing about it. The smaller looked down, a tear fell out of his droopy eyes.

 

They would play with his body and gently reminded him right after that he should not tell his mother about it, that it had to be a secret between them. And like a good boy he badly wanted to be, little Joshua had obeyed and told absolutely nothing to his mother about whatever her friends had done to him when she had returned home. He kept it as a secret, just like how they told him to do.

Besides, he also thought that he did not have to tell his mother because "It happened to other kids too, right?”
Thus, his mother knew nothing about it. The smaller looked down, a tear fell out of his droopy eyes.

 

EVERYONE stayed silent for a while before they continued the game. They did not need to spin the bottle again because it’s only Dino who had not shared his story yet.

 

Some event that happened lately triggered him to remember his past. Dino, the baby of the group, he is cute at times but mainly very active and mischievous. He fooled around his Hyungs all the time and he teased them so much but lately Chanie was not into making pranks anymore.

 

Everytime he tried to play around the boys all he gets in return are scoffs, sighs, and sometimes angry screams, he gets ignored by everyone so he decided to stop.
Everybody was busy to notice that the younger was getting away from them, getting quieter and keeping things to himself. Everybody was stressed since they had a lot to do, they couldn't bare any distractions and without knowing they classified Dino as a distraction. All what he wanted was some attention, someone to play with him and occasionally ruffle his head. He was still a teenage after all.

This bring backs those old and sad memories when he was still with his mother's family. Lee Chan is a son out of wedlock the worse is, he was created in a one night stand. His mother really loves him despite everything but he can't say the same towards his paternal grandmother and grandfather. Everytime he smiles towards them, they would simply scoff and turn around. They didn't acknowledge him as their grandson. They hate their own daughter because of what happened to her. They want to kick her out. But she plead to them and make promises such as she will work hard to earn money to sustain everyone.

For 13 years, Little Chan didn't feel nor receive any love except from her loving mother. Until one rainy nighy, his mother died in a car accident. Her car was hit by a drunken truck driver. That was the worst nightmare for Little Chan. Because his only source of happiness and love, suddenly disappeared. And to make it worst, his grandparents blame him for all the misery that their daughter experienced. Funny right? When in fact, all their daughter did is to work hard for all of them. Not only for Little Chan.

After his mother cremation, Little Chan decided to pack all his things and leave those old people that he calls grandparents. He didn't bother to even wrote a simple goodbye letter. Cause he knows that they will be happy if he's no longer with them.

Little Chan's dream is to become a famous dancer. While walking on the streets, he found some flyers that has "Pledis Academy" printed on it with the details. He thought that "This school might help me to enhance my talent in dancing. I must give it a try. And they also said in this paper that everyone who can pass their test, can study there for free. I have tp believe in myself. Yay!!" So with a little amount of cash and foods in his bag, Little Chan started his journey going to Pledis Academy.

"And that's where I met Cheollie hyung." Lee Chan or mostly known now as Dino exclaimed then he continued saying "And I'm also one of the reason why Cheollie hyung become a good guy he is now." he proudly says.

Seungcheol didn't say anything, he just simply smile and hug the maknae, which results to group hug.

 

As the Seventeen members finished sharing their own stories

"We were really sorry for ignoring you from those days, Little Chan. " Jeonghan says while still hugging their maknae.
"Its okay now hyung. I understand that those days we're all under stress because we need to prepare for a new comeback." Dino says while smiling sincerely to all of the members.

“I hope everything will remain secret just between the 13 of us.” Joshua silently plead.

“Of course, this will remain as our deepest secret.” S.coups says and he added “But somehow we still need to clean Jun’s name. If you can call your mother, Jun, please do. We need her help too.” Jun silently agreed and thought “Maybe this is really the right time”

“Who would have thought that despite everything that happened in our past, we are still here. Pursuing our dream.” Seungkwan added seriously.
"Anyway, Little Chan's story is the last one. Now that we already knew everyone's past, I hope it will help us more to cherish, love, protect and be mindful of each other." Woozi exclaimed. And Hoshi added "I know after this day, we will be more stronger and reliable to each other." “Of course!” everyone shouted as a sign of their agreement.

 

-Epilogue-

 

   We all know that SEVENTEEN is composed of 13 cheerful and hard working boys. But who would have thought that idols like them actually had those stories in their lives? No one.

After Seventeen’s short vacation. They’re now back to the reality, to their hectic days. They are now doing a press conference to promote their new album and to clear some issues that involve one of their members.

The members described their album and showed their confidence in it. Woozi explained, “We wanted to put our improved image in this album. We included diverse genres and emotional songs, too.” He continued, “I kept listening while mixing and mastering and I saw SEVENTEEN in diverse genres. It’s a bit funny to say this myself, but I think this album is a great album.”

During the press conference the members were asked about some issues that they are currently facing. One of Soompi's representative says "This rumour haven't been cleared until now. We want to know the real story. Jun?" Everyone is so shocked when the representative drop a name especially Jun. Luckily, one of is well prepared.
"We would like each of you to pay attention in this video that I secretly took because I know that one day, this video might be useful. This video contains the real story behind those sugar mommy and gold digger rumours about Jun." The8 says and everyone face the screen wherein the video started playing.

When the video ended, no one dared to make a noise. Everyone’s so shocked about the real story including Zia and their mother, who have been staying in the backstage. "Actually, the two girls who were also involved in this issue are also here." Scoups says and the guards escorted a crying mother and Zia with a shameful face. Jun is also shocked about this. He is so speechless. He never knew that The8 secretly took a video of him confessing the real story.

The first one who got her senses back is Zia, she confesses everything. That she already know the truth but she just keep it to herself because she's too ashamed to face Jun after all the things that she said to him before. She also said that she and their mother already talk about this issue and promise to clear his name. It's just that Seventeen already done it first. That's why they are really thankful to them for helping Jun to clear his name.

 

After the said press conference, lots of fans now believe that no matter what challenges the boys will face in the future, they have each other's support.

 

“The hardships that I encountered in the past will help me succeed in the future.”                                      - Philip Emeagwali

 

-FINALE-