Just Because of a Trivial Matter, Felix from Stray Kids Was Humiliated in Public—The Man Behind…..
A trivial mistake explodes into scandal as
Felix of Stray Kids is humiliated publicly. Yet, the man behind it splits the K-pop world in two.
Do you even realize what you’ve done, Felix? The voice cut through the noise like a blade. Felix’s
jaw tensed, but he didn’t answer immediately. Around him, murmurss rose from the small crowd
that had gathered. Someone from the back shouted, “He owes everyone an explanation.” It was
just a misunderstanding, Felix said finally, his tone measured as if trying to keep a dam from
breaking. I didn’t mean misunderstanding. A deep mocking laugh erupted from the man standing
opposite him, Ji Woon, the one whose name rarely appeared in public, yet whose influence was
whispered about in every green room and rehearsal hall. You think losing a major sponsor mid-event
because of your misunderstanding is small? You embarrassed the label. You embarrassed your group.
You embarrassed me. Felix’s fists clenched at his sides. You told me to improvise. I did. The
audience loved it. Jawoon stepped closer. His words sharp, calculated. The audience. This
isn’t about a few thousand screaming fans. This is about shareholders, contracts, billions of one
at stake. And now everything we built looks like a circus because of you. From somewhere in the
crowd, a female voice interjected, trembling with suppressed anger. You pushed him into it, Jiune.
I saw the messages. All eyes turned toward the speaker. Hanel, one of the stage coordinators.
Her hands were baldled into tight fists, but her gaze didn’t waver. June smirked without
looking at her. Oh, and what exactly did you see, Hanu? Screenshots? Out of context texts? You
think the public cares about truth when headlines sell better? Felix’s breathing grew shallow.
Enough, Jawoon. If you wanted to sabotage me, you could have just done it behind closed doors.
Why make a scene? Because, Felix, Jiun said, his voice dripping with a twisted satisfaction.
This is what you need to learn. In this industry, your image isn’t yours. It’s mine. I made you. I
can unmake you. The crowd gasped and a ripple of unease spread through the air. Felix took a step
forward, closing the space between them until the tension felt ready to snap. If you think I’ll
let you control me after this, you’re wrong. You can destroy my career, Jiune, but you can’t
destroy what I stand for. Jiune’s smile widened as if Felix had walked right into his trap. What
you stand for? You stand on the edge of a cliff, Felix, and I’m the one holding the ground beneath
you. Hanule’s voice rang out again, louder this time. Then maybe it’s time someone pulled you off
your pedestal. The murmurss turned into shouts, some siding with Felix, others defending Jiune.
The air seemed thick with accusations, denials, and halftruths. Somewhere in that chaos, Felix
realized this wasn’t just about a single incident. It was about the power games that had been playing
out behind the scenes for years. And for the first time, he felt the weight of every hidden deal,
every unspoken threat, and every choice he’d made to survive in an industry that demanded perfection
but thrived on scandal. He knew one thing. After today, nothing would be the same. Felix, you’re
not walking away from this. Jun’s voice chased him as he turned toward the corridor, the noise
of clashing opinions still echoing from the crowd. Felix stopped, not because he wanted to, but
because the weight of what June said clamped around him. You don’t get to dictate where I walk.
Not anymore. Not anymore. Jiun’s footsteps drew closer. You’re still under contract. You
still wear the logo, and until that changes, every step you take, every breath you take runs
through me. Hallel caught up, sliding between them like she was ready to intercept something
sharp. You’ve made your point in public, June. If you keep this going here, you’ll just dig your own
grave. Grave? Jius laugh was short and sharp. I’ve been digging graves for a decade, Hanol. The
problem is, none of you realized you were standing at the edge of them. Felix turned fully, his voice
low, but cutting. Then you admit it. You’ve been pulling strings, ending careers, ruining people’s
lives just because you can. June tilted his head slightly. I admit nothing. I merely redirect
resources. Remove obstacles. Obstacles? Hanel shot back. You mean human beings? They’re one
and the same in this business, Jiune said without hesitation. A cold silence rippled between them
before Felix broke it. If you’re so proud of it, why hide your name? Why stay in the shadows?
Jiun’s eyes didn’t waver. Because the shadows are where the real power lives. Out there in the
spotlight, you’re prey. In here, in the dark, you’re the one who decides who survives. The
tension in the corridor deepened as Chan appeared from the far end, his expression tight. What’s
going on? The live stream is still up. People are screen recording everything. That’s the point,
June replied before Felix could answer. Let them record. Let them see what happens when someone
forgets their place. Felix stepped forward, his voice rising. or let them see what happens
when someone finally fights back. Chan looked between them. Felix, if you start this war,
you better understand. I already understand. Felix cut him off. Better than you think. Jiune
folded his arms, almost as if amused. Then say it, Felix. Say what you’ve been holding back all
this time. Tell them the truth you think will save you. Felix’s chest tightened, not from fear,
but from the flood of memories he’d kept buried. Contracts he never agreed to. rehearsals that went
past the point of injury, whispered threats about family if he didn’t comply. You want the truth?
The truth is you’ve been exploiting every single one of us. Every late night, every forced smile,
every fabricated scandal, it’s all orchestrated by you and the people who keep your name off the
headlines. Murmurss grew louder as some staff members slowed their work to listen. Jiune leaned
closer. Careful. The more you speak, the more you implicate yourself. Do you think you’re clean,
Felix? Do you think the deals you’ve signed, the compromises you’ve made, won’t come to light?
Felix’s jaw tightened. If they come to light, so be it. At least I’ll face them without
hiding. Hanu’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen before her face went pale. It’s
already trending. Number one in three countries. #s Felix Vjoon K-pop power games. Jon’s lips
curled slightly. Perfect. Exactly where I want it. Felix stared at him in disbelief. “You planned
this, even this? I told you,” Jun said, his tone calm, almost eerily so. “In this industry, nothing
happens by accident.” Chan’s voice was lower now, almost pleading. “Felix, come with me. Don’t give
him more footage to twist. We can deal with this behind closed doors.” But Felix didn’t move. No,
that’s how it always stays the same. behind closed doors, quiet settlements, people disappearing
from the industry with some vague excuse about personal reasons. Not this time, Panu looked
between them. If you go public with everything, you won’t just be fighting June, you’ll be
fighting the entire machine. Then so be it, Felix said. June chuckled under his breath.
Do you think you’re the first to try? Do you think any of the others are still around to tell
their story? Felix met his gaze. Then I’ll be the first to survive it. Before Jiune could answer, a
voice from the other end of the hall called out, “They want both of you in the press room now.” The
weight of those words hit them all at once. Press room meant cameras, microphones, live feeds, not
just trending hashtags, but official narratives. Felix took a slow breath. “Fine, let’s finish this
in front of everyone.” Giun’s smile didn’t fade. Exactly as I hoped. The press room smelled
faintly of coffee and cheap cables. But it wasn’t the scent that made Felix’s pulse quicken.
It was the sight of the rows of reporters. Cameras already aimed. Red recording lights blinking
like they’d been waiting for blood. A man with a clipboard gestured impatiently. “We’re live in 3
2 Wait,” Felix interrupted, his voice firm enough to silence the room for a heartbeat. “Before
you start, I want it clear. No pre-approved statements, no scripts. The man looked over at
June, who gave the faintest nod. “Fine,” he said almost too easily. The first question came from
a woman in the front row, her tone razor sharp. “Felix, is it true you caused a major sponsor to
pull out of the event last night by deviating from the planned set?” Felix’s voice was steady. “Yes,
I improvised.” “And no, it wasn’t sabotage,” the audience responded. But the so-called damage
had more to do with internal politics than my performance. Internal politics? Another reporter
pressed. Are you suggesting someone in the company deliberately used the incident against you? June
leaned toward his microphone. He’s not suggesting. He’s accusing. And those accusations are
unfounded. They’re not unfounded. Felix shot back. For years, artists here have been manipulated
into situations designed to fail. so the people in power can control them through fear. Gasps rippled
through the room. Phones clicked. Live stream comments were probably exploding. The woman from
the front row pressed further. Are you saying Mr. Jiune is behind this alleged manipulation? Felix
didn’t hesitate. Yes. June didn’t flinch. And yet, Felix, here you are, successful, adored, wealthy
because of this system you suddenly despise. Convenient timing, don’t you think? It’s
not convenient, Felix replied sharply. It’s necessary. I stayed quiet because I thought
speaking out would destroy me in my group, but I realized silence just keeps people like
you untouchable. Another hand shot up from the back. Mr. June, have there been other cases where
artists under your supervision were pressured into dangerous or humiliating situations? Jiun’s smile
was infuriatingly calm. The entertainment industry is competitive. Challenging circumstances
are part of growth. But danger, humiliation, those are subjective terms often invented by
people looking for excuses. Anneil standing just off stage called out before anyone could stop
her. Tell them about Mina. The room turned toward her. Felix’s heart clenched. Mina. He hadn’t
heard that name in years. June’s tone hardened. Careful, Hanel. No, she said, stepping forward.
Tell them how you sent her to that award show in a dress two sizes too small because you wanted
headlines about a wardrobe slip. Tell them how she cried in the bathroom for an hour before going
on stage. Reporters began shouting questions all at once. Jiune raised his voice above the
noise. That’s a gross misrepresentation. It’s the truth. Felix cut in. And she wasn’t the
only one. The chaos in the room thickened. Camera flashes popped faster. Somewhere, a
producers’s voice yelled about cutting the feed, but the live stream kept rolling. A male reporter
near the aisle asked, “Felix, are you prepared for the legal consequences of making these statements
without evidence?” Felix turned toward him, “I have evidence. Messages, emails, witnesses who
aren’t afraid anymore.” June laughed once, cold and short. Witnesses who will vanish the moment
they realize their careers are over. Not if the public stands with them, Felix countered. Jiune’s
voice lowered, but the microphone still caught every syllable. The public has the attention
span of a goldfish. Today you’re a hero. Tomorrow you’re forgotten. And when that happens, you’ll
wish you had kept my favor. Felix leaned forward. I’d rather be forgotten than owned. The words
hung in the air for a moment before Hanil’s phone vibrated again. She checked it and her expression
shifted from anger to something almost like shock. She mouthed something to Felix. Check your phone.
He did. And what he saw made his stomach drop. It was a leaked video. Grainy but clear enough
of him 3 years ago in a meeting with June. The clip showed Felix signing a document while June
said, “Once you sign this, you belong to me. No one else. Reporters were already holding up their
phones, the clip playing on their screens. June didn’t even look rattled. Congratulations, Felix.
You’ve just leaked the very evidence that proves I own the rights to your career for the next 7
years. Felix’s voice was a low growl. That was coerced. Good luck proving that in court, Jiune
said almost cheerfully. The press room erupted again. Questions flying in every direction. Felix
knew the war had just escalated into something far more dangerous than a trending hashtag. The press
room’s noise swelled into a chaos that felt almost physical. Every reporter was shouting a question,
some holding their phones up high, others yelling into headsets for their studios to keep the feed
running. Felix kept his gaze locked on Jiune, refusing to look away, even as camera flashes
burned the air between them. You really think this video is going to scare me into silence?
Jiune didn’t blink. It’s not about scaring you. It’s about reminding you that you’ve already
signed your future away. That contract isn’t just paper. It’s a leash. Hanu stepped forward,
her voice cutting through the noise. Then we cut the leash. If this is going to court, we bring
everything. Every victim, every file. You speak like you have an army, June said, tilting his
head just slightly. You have nothing but two angry voices and a crowd of gossip-hungry journalists.
Armies need weapons. What do you have? Felix’s voice was low but unshakable. The truth. Jun’s
smirk deepened. The truth is a weapon only when people care. And people stop caring the moment
something shinier comes along. By next week, they’ll be busy devouring some other scandal.
That’s where you’re wrong. Felix said, “This isn’t just another scandal. This is the beginning of an
unmasking. From the side, Chan’s voice was tight with frustration. Felix, you’re turning this into
a blood bath. You can’t win. Felix turned toward him, his eyes steady. It was already a blood bath.
I’m just refusing to pretend it’s a tea party anymore. A reporter leaned in from the second row.
Mr. Jon, if you claim you have nothing to hide, will you consent to releasing all contractual
agreements with Felix and his group to the public? June’s response was instant. “No, contracts
are private corporate property, and frankly, the public wouldn’t understand the context. They’d
understand enough,” Hanu said. “That’s enough.” Jiune rose from his seat. “This conference is
over, but Felix stayed seated, his voice rising above the den.” “No, it’s not. Not until I say
what I came here to say.” June froze midstep. Felix looked out over the crowd. 3 years ago, I
was threatened into signing a contract that gave up my creative freedom and bound my career to
Giwoom’s control. Since then, I’ve seen artists humiliated, overworked, silenced, and discarded
when they stopped being profitable. Mina wasn’t the first. She wasn’t the last. Some left quietly.
Others weren’t allowed to leave at all. The last sentence sent a ripple of shock through the
room. Giwin’s voice sharpened. You’re treading on dangerous ground. I know exactly where I’m
standing,” Felix replied. “Right in the middle of the mess you built,” a female reporter shouted.
“Are you saying there have been artists who disappeared under suspicious circumstances?”
Felix didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let the silence hang heavy until the room was
straining for the next word. “Yes, the uproar was immediate.” June leaned forward, his voice low
enough that only Felix and Hanul could hear. Careful, Felix. If you keep going, you’ll find
out just how far I’ll go to protect what’s mine. Felix’s reply was quiet, but razor sharp.
You can’t protect it forever. Security began filtering into the room, ushering reporters back,
cutting off cameras. Chan was at Felix’s side now, gripping his arm. We need to go before this turns
into something physical. I’m not afraid of him, Felix said, pulling his arm free. You should be,
Chan muttered. because you don’t know what he’s willing to do off camera.” Hanil caught up with
him in the hallway, her voice urgent. “We have to move now. I’ve got a contact who can take us
somewhere safe. But it has to be tonight.” Felix glanced over his shoulder. June was standing at
the press room doorway. Not moving, just watching them with a look that promised this wasn’t over.
It wasn’t fear that settled in Felix’s chest. Then it was certainty. This fight wasn’t going to be
a single battle. It was a war. And it was only just beginning. The hallway outside the press
room was strangely quiet compared to the chaos inside. Each step echoed, but the silence didn’t
feel safe. It felt like a trap had been set, and they were walking straight into it. Where’s
your contact? Felix asked Tulle as they moved quickly toward the back exit. Underground parking,
two floors down, she replied without slowing. And don’t look behind you. Of course, Felix did.
June wasn’t following, at least not visibly, but two men in dark suits had emerged from a side
corridor and were keeping pace at a distance. Chan noticed, too. They’re his. Move faster. By the
time they reached the elevator, Felix’s phone buzzed again. A message from an unknown number.
Walk away now or your family sees the contract footage before midnight. He stared at the screen
for a second too long. Hen noticed. What is it? Nothing that changes my decision, Felix said,
slipping the phone into his pocket. The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside. Hanu hit
the button for B2. The doors closed, sealing them into the dimly lit box. Chan finally spoke,
his voice low. Felix, you need to think about what happens if we can’t beat him. This isn’t just
about a bad contract. It’s about someone who has connections everywhere. Sponsors, media, even
the police. That’s why we can’t stop. Felix said, “If we back down now, we’re just proving he’s
untouchable. You don’t understand.” Chan pressed. “I’ve seen what he’s done to people who crossed
him. And it’s not always legal. Some of them didn’t just lose careers. They disappeared.” Hanu
didn’t look surprised. I know. Mina told me before she left. That’s why she vanished overseas. She
said if she stayed another month, she wouldn’t be alive. Felix’s jaw tightened. Then this isn’t
just about me anymore. The elevator dinged and the doors opened to a dim parking level. A black
van idled near the far wall. A man in a baseball cap waved them over. That’s him. Hel said. Go.
They crossed the lot quickly. As soon as the van door slid open, the man inside gestured for them
to get in. We have to move fast. They’ll be down here any minute. Once inside, the van pulled away.
The driver took a sharp turn out of the building. merging into late night traffic. For the first
time in an hour, Felix allowed himself a single deep breath. But Hanal was already speaking again.
We’re not going to my place or yours. He’ll have both under surveillance. We’re heading to a safe
house owned by someone who’s been waiting for a chance to go after June. Felix looked at her
sharply. Who? You’ll see, she said. But there was a flicker of hesitation in her voice. Chan
caught it, too. You’re not telling us something. Before she could answer, Felix’s phone buzzed
again. This time, it wasn’t a text. It was a video call. The caller ID simply read, “Blocked against
his better judgment,” Felix answered. Jiun’s face filled the screen. “Running away so soon?”
Jiuns tone was casual, almost friendly. “I’m not running,” Felix said. “I’m preparing for
what? A war you can’t win.” Jun’s smile widened. You really think you can rally enough people
against me before I erase every trace of your career? Before I make sure every door in this
industry slams shut in your face. Felix’s voice didn’t waver. If that’s the cost of telling the
truth, then so be it. Jiune leaned closer to the camera. Then I’ll see you at the funeral. Yours
or your groups? Makes no difference to me. The call ended before Felix could respond. The van
went silent for a long moment before Chan spoke. He’s not bluffing. I know, Felix said quietly.
The safe house was a nondescript building on the edge of the city. The van pulled into a narrow
alley and stopped. The driver nodded toward a side door. Up the stairs, third floor, she’s
waiting. She Felix asked, but Han was already climbing out. When they reached the third floor,
Hanu knocked three times in a strange rhythm. The door opened and standing there was a woman
Felix hadn’t seen in nearly 5 years. Someone he thought was gone for good. Mina. He breathed. She
smiled faintly, but her eyes were sharp. Hello, Felix. We have a lot to talk about. Before he
could answer, she stepped aside to let them in. The room was bare except for a table covered in
files, USB drives, and what looked like old press badges. “I’ve been collecting everything,” Mina
said, closing the door. every contract, every blackmail attempt, every off therecord threat he’s
made. And I’m not the only one. There are more of us. Felix stepped closer to the table. Then we end
this. Mina shook her head. It’s not that simple. Jun’s power doesn’t come from what he hides. It
comes from the fact that people are too afraid to use what they know. If we release this, he won’t
go down quietly. He’ll take as many of us with him as he can. Then we make sure we hit him so hard he
can’t get back up, Felix said. Mina looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. “All right, but
if we do this, there’s no turning back.” Felix met her gaze. I wasn’t planning to. Felix stared at
Mina as though he were seeing a ghost. The reality of her presence slowly cutting through the haze
of adrenaline. “I thought you left for good,” he said. “I did,” Mina replied. “But leaving doesn’t
mean forgetting, and it doesn’t mean forgiving.” She gestured at the table. Everything here
contracts. Payment trails, hush agreements. Proves Jun’s been running this game for longer
than you’ve been in the industry. Chan stepped forward, scanning the piles of documents. This is
dangerous stuff to be keeping in one place. That’s why it’s not all here, Mina said. This is just
what we can use immediately. The rest is scattered across places June can’t reach yet. Felix picked
up a USB drive. What’s on this video files? Mina answered. Meetings recorded without his knowledge.
Conversations with artists who thought they were alone. Some of it you might not be ready to see.
I don’t have the luxury of being ready anymore, Felix said. Show me. Mina slid a laptop across the
table. The screen lit up with a grainy clip. June in an office speaking to someone off camera.
We’ll push her to the limit. If she breaks, fine. We replace her and leak a sympathy story
to sell albums. If she doesn’t break, we own her. The voice was unmistakable. Felix felt his stomach
twist, but he didn’t look away. How many more like this? Dozens, Mina said. And they all connect back
to him, Hanu crossed her arms. So, we release them tonight. No, Mina said firmly. You dump everything
now and it gets buried under counterattacks. June will spin it, call it deep fakes, sue anyone who
shares it. We need to be strategic. Felix’s voice rose. While we’re being strategic, more people
get hurt. Mina didn’t flinch. If we rush this, we lose. And if we lose, he wins forever.
Do you want that? The room fell silent, except for the faint hum of the laptop. Chan
spoke next, his tone cautious. What’s your plan, Mina? She leaned forward. We release in waves.
Start with something small but undeniable enough to make people question him without giving him
a clear target to destroy. Once doubt spreads, we hit him harder. Each release time so he can’t
recover before the next one hits. Felix exhaled slowly. You’ve been thinking about this for a long
time. 4 years, Mina said. Every day since I left. Hanul’s eyes narrowed. Why now? Mina hesitated
and Felix caught it. There’s more, isn’t there? Mina’s gaze flicked to the floor. Because June
is expanding. He’s not just controlling artists anymore. He’s moving into production houses,
talent schools, even international partnerships. If he consolidates those, no one will touch him
for decades. Felix gritted his teeth. Then we don’t have decades. We barely have months. The
sound of footsteps in the hallway made everyone tense. Mina moved to the door and peered through
the peepphole before relaxing. “It’s him,” she said, unlocking the door. A man stepped inside,
tall, wearing a hood pulled low over his face. He shut the door behind him and pulled the hood
back. Felix recognized him instantly. Jay, a former songwriter who had vanished after publicly
clashing with Ji Woon. You’re alive, Felix said in disbelief. Barely, Jay replied. And only because
I kept my head down. But I heard about what went down at the press conference, and I knew it was
time to stop hiding. Mina nodded toward him. Jay has something we need. He dropped a flash drive
onto the table. Accounting data from Jun’s private accounts. Transfers to offshore entities. Payments
to silence people. It’s ugly. Felix picked it up. How did you get this? Because I used to handle
his royalty dispersements. Jay said he never thought I’d keep copies. Panel leaned forward.
If we combine this with the video evidence, we have enough to put him in prison. Felix finished.
Mina held up a hand. Slow down. We still need to protect ourselves. Once this goes out, Jiune will
send everything he has to destroy us legally, financially, maybe even physically. I’m not
afraid of him anymore, Felix said. You should be, Jay said flatly. Because I’ve seen what he does
when he’s cornered. And it’s worse than you think, Felix met his eyes. Then let him come. But we
won’t be the ones running this time. Before anyone could speak again, the lights in the safe house
flickered twice, then cut out completely. The room was swallowed in darkness. Power cut, Jay said
quickly. This place runs on an independent grid. He must have found it. Phones, Mina said. Use
them for light, but no calls. If he’s tracking, we don’t want to give him a location ping. Felix
turned on his flashlight. The narrow beam slicing through the dark to the table piled with evidence.
We need to move this somewhere else now. We can’t, Mina replied. If we leave in a hurry, we risk
walking straight into whoever cut the power. That’s probably the point. As if on Q, a sharp
knock came at the door. Nobody moved. Another knock, slower this time, followed by a voice,
calm, measured, and unmistakably familiar. Felix, open the door. We need to talk. It was June.
Felix’s hand tightened into a fist. How did he Doesn’t matter. Jay cut in. If he’s here, he’s
not alone. Hanel stepped close to Felix, her voice low. Don’t engage him here. This isn’t the place.
But Felix was already moving toward the door. If I don’t, he’ll just break it down. No, he won’t.
Mina said sharply. Gi Won doesn’t get his own hands dirty. He’ll try to talk his way in. Another
knock. Felix, I’m not here to fight. I’m here to offer you a deal. Felix froze at the door, inches
from the handle. What kind of deal? A private one, June’s voice replied smoothly. No cameras, no
witnesses, just you and me. Ending this before it ruins us both. Felix glanced back at the others.
Mina shook her head violently. He turned back to the door. If you had any intention of ending
this without blood, you wouldn’t have started it. There was a pause before June answered. I
underestimated you. That’s my mistake. But you’ve underestimated me, too, Felix. You think this is
about control, but it’s about survival. Mine and yours. Felix’s voice sharpened. Survival doesn’t
require destroying people. Sometimes it does, June replied. And if you can’t stomach that, you’ll
never last. Mina stepped forward. Walk away, June. We’re not playing by your rules anymore.
A soft chuckle filtered through the door. Mina, I wondered when you’d crawl out of whatever hole
you’ve been hiding in. Tell me how’s life without relevance. Mina didn’t bite. Better than life on a
leash. Jun’s tone hardened. You think you’ve built some kind of resistance? You have no idea how many
of your allies still answer to me. The words hung heavy in the air. Felix asked quietly. What do you
mean? Ask your friends. Jiun said. See who looks away first. Felix turned, his eyes scanning
the room. Chan shifted his weight slightly. Hanil looked down. Jay crossed his arms but didn’t
speak. Who is it? Felix demanded. No one answered. Outside the door, Jiune’s voice was almost
gleeful. I’ll let you figure that out. And when you do, you’ll realize I don’t have to break you
from the outside. I can let you tear yourselves apart from within. Footsteps retreated down the
hall. Slow and deliberate until the sound faded completely. Mina exhaled. He’s trying to split us.
Or telling the truth, Felix said. The silence that followed was worse than shouting. Finally, Hanule
spoke. He’s lying. This is what he does. Plants seeds and waits for them to grow. Chan didn’t
meet her eyes. And if he’s not lying, Felix turned sharply toward him. Do you know something? No,
Chan said quickly. But I’ve seen enough to know we can’t assume we’re safe just because we’re in the
same room, Mina tapped the table. Then we stick to the plan. First wave of evidence drops tomorrow
morning. Timed with the overseas media outlets. June can’t kill the story everywhere at once.
Felix nodded slowly. And if he moves before then, Mina’s voice was cold. Then we move faster. Jay
looked between them. We’re not just going after his reputation. If we hit him with the financial
records first, the authorities get involved. That’s something he can’t spin. But it also puts
us on his kill list immediately, Henne said. Felix’s tone was firm. We’re already on it. The
lights flickered back on suddenly, flooding the room with harsh brightness. For a split second,
nobody moved. Then Felix saw at a small red dot blinking on the table near the stack of contracts.
Tracker, Jay said, moving quickly to pick it up. We’re burned. He knows exactly where this place is
now. Mina grabbed a backpack and started shoving drives and papers inside. We split up. Meet at the
fall back point in 2 hours. Felix grabbed another pile of files. Where? Old train station, platform
3. Mina said, “If you’re not there in 2 hours, we assume you’re compromised.” The room erupted
into motion. The unspoken fear hanging heavy. Not everyone might make it to the next meeting. They
split without ceremony. Mina shoved the last drive into her bag and slipped through the fire exit
without looking back. Jay took the service stairs down, muttering something about finding a decoy
vehicle. Chan pulled Felix toward the opposite end of the hall. “We don’t take the front,” Chan
said. “Too obvious.” “And if they’ve got eyes on the building, they’ll be watching it.” Felix
adjusted the strap of his backpack, heavy with contracts and flash drives. “Then where rooftop,”
Chan replied. “We can cut through the next block over and come down in a place they won’t expect.”
They took the stairs two at a time. At the top, Chan pushed open the door and the cold night air
rushed in. The city stretched out in fractured lights, too alive for this late hour. Felix
scanned the skyline. And from here, there. Chan pointed to a shadowed building across a narrow
gap. It’s got a side stairwell to the street. No cameras. Are you sure? I used it before. They
crossed, jumping the gap with the adrenaline of people who couldn’t afford to hesitate.
Felix’s landing was solid, but Chan stumbled, grabbing Felix’s arm to steady himself. They moved
quickly, but before they reached the stairwell, a voice drifted up from below, mocking, almost
conversational. Felix, “You really do love the high ground, don’t you?” Felix froze. Jiune was
standing in the alley below, flanked by two men in dark coats. He wasn’t shouting. His voice carried
too easily, as if the night itself was bending to let him be heard. “You’ve got about 5 minutes
before the police get here,” Jiune continued. and they won’t be here to protect you. Felix
leaned over the edge. So, you’re just skipping the pretenses now. Why bother? June said, “The
game’s already in play, and you’ve made your first mistake. You split your team. That means I get to
choose who to deal with first.” Chan swore under his breath. “We need to move.” But Felix didn’t
move yet. “If you touch them, you’ll regret it.” Jon’s smile was visible even from this height. I
already regret not ending this before it began. He signaled to one of the men beside him who spoke
into a radio. Somewhere distant, sirens began to wail. Chan grabbed Felix’s arm again. We go now or
we don’t go at all. They bolted for the stairwell, the metal steps clanging under their feet. By
the time they hit street level, the sirens were louder, closer. Chan led them through a maze of
side streets until they reached a dim underpass. A lone figure stepped out from the shadows.
Hanu, you’re late, she said. We had company, Felix replied. Where’s Mina? She’s not here yet.
Felix’s gut tightened. She was supposed to be ahead of us. Chan scanned the street. Either she’s
laying low or or he got to her. Felix finished. Hil’s expression was unreadable. If she’s smart,
she’ll get here. But if she’s compromised, she let the sentence die in the air. They waited
in the shadows every passing second, making Felix more certain something had gone wrong. When
Mina finally appeared, she wasn’t alone. Two men trailed her at a distance. Close enough to watch,
but not to touch. She caught Felix’s eye and shook her head slightly. A silent warning. Felix stepped
forward, but Chan blocked him. “Not here. Not now. She’s telling you it’s not safe to approach.”
Mina passed by without slowing, disappearing into another alley. The two men followed. Felix’s hands
clenched. “We can’t just let her. She’s making her move.” And Elle said, “If we follow, we risk all
of us getting pinned.” Felix turned on her. “You sound awfully certain about what she’s doing.” Her
voice sharpened. “I’ve done this before, Felix. You have to trust me.” But the doubt had already
started to creep in. June’s words from the safe house replayed in his head. “Ask your friends.
See who looks away first.” “2 hours,” Chan said. If she’s not back by then, we assume the worst
and proceed without her. Felix didn’t answer. He just adjusted the weight of the backpack again
and looked toward the direction Mina had gone. The city felt smaller than it had an hour ago, like
the walls were already closing in. “Fine,” he said finally. “But if she doesn’t come back, I’m
not waiting another second.” Felix didn’t wait the full 2 hours. 23 minutes after Mina vanished
into the alley. He was already retracing her path. Chan’s protests fading behind him. The
backpack felt heavier with every step. The weight of the evidence matched only by the weight
of the decision he was making. He kept to the edges of the street, cutting through side alleys,
listening for the faint echo of footsteps ahead. Twice he thought he saw her once turning a corner,
once slipping through a doorway, but each time it was someone else. Then he heard it. Voices low
but heated coming from a narrow service passage between two buildings. He edged closer, keeping
to the shadows. I told you I don’t have it, Mina’s voice, sharp but controlled. Don’t lie to me, a
man replied. You left with the drives. Where are they? Felix moved closer until he could see them.
Mina backed against the wall, two men blocking her in. Neither of them was June, but their posture
screamed his authority. You think I’d be stupid enough to carry them after leaving the safe
house? Mina said. They’re somewhere you’ll never find. One of the men smirked. That’s fine. We’ll
just take you instead. Felix stepped out before he could think twice. You’re not taking anyone.
The two men turned, surprise flashing just long enough for Felix to close the distance. He shoved
the first one back into the wall, but the second moved fast, swinging a fist toward Felix’s head.
Felix ducked, grabbed the man’s arm, and twisted hard until he dropped to one knee. Mina didn’t
wait. She drove her knee into the first man’s ribs and pushed past him, grabbing Felix’s arm.
We need to go now. They ran without looking back, cutting through a market alley and into a maze of
back streets. Only when they were three turns away did Mina slow. “You shouldn’t have come after
me,” she said. “You were being cornered,” Felix replied. “What did you expect me to do?” Follow
the plan. She shot back. Every time you improvise, you make us more vulnerable. Felix stopped
walking. You think this is about me improvising? Gi Woon’s men had you trapped. They were trying
to scare me, Mina said. Not kill me. There’s a difference. Felix stared at her. You sound like
you’ve dealt with them before. Something flickered in her eyes. Then she looked away. I know how Jon
operates. That’s all. Or maybe you know more than that, Felix said quietly. Her gaze snapped back
to him. “You’re starting to sound like him,” Felix held her stare. “And you’re starting to give
me reasons to.” The silence between them was heavier than the sprint they just run. Finally,
Mina shook her head and started walking again. You want to trust me? Fine. You don’t. That’s your
choice. But if you start secondguessing everyone, you’re playing Jun’s game, not ours. They made it
to the old train station with 7 minutes to spare. Chan and Hanul were already there. Jay arriving
a minute later with a battered laptop bag slung over his shoulder. Felix dropped his pack onto a
bench. We need to move up the timeline tonight. Mina didn’t argue. We hit the overseas media in 2
hours. The first wave goes live before Jiune can push back. Jay opened the laptop. I’ve set up
autodrops to multiple outlets. Once it starts, we can’t stop it. Good. Felix said because he’s
not going to stop either. As if summoned by the words, a loudspeaker crackled to life somewhere
outside the station. The voice that came through was unmistakable. This is Jiune. To anyone
listening, Felix Lee is not the victim you think he is. By sunrise, you’ll see exactly what he’s
been hiding. Felix froze. June’s voice continued smooth and precise. You’ll see the footage. You’ll
hear the words. and then you’ll decide who’s been lying all along. The loudspeaker cut out, leaving
only the echo of his threat. What footage? Chan asked. Felix’s throat was tight. I don’t know.
Are you sure? Hanel asked, her tone edged with doubt. Felix looked at each of them in turn. I’ve
made mistakes, but I haven’t done anything he can use to bury me. Mina closed the laptop. If he’s
bluffing, we don’t blink. If he’s not. She let the sentence trail off. Felix clenched his fists.
Then we take him down before he can use it. Jay glanced at the others. That means going straight
for the headquarters. Chan’s eyes widened. You’re talking about walking into the lion’s den.
I’m talking about ending this, Felix said. If June wants a war, we give him one. The station
smelled faintly of rust and oil, like a machine that hadn’t moved in decades, but still remembered
how. The benches were cracked, painting in strips, and the only light came from a single flickering
fixture above the ticket counter. Felix stood in the center of it all, backpack at his feet,
eyes fixed on the dark doorway where Jiun’s voice had seemed to seep in. “We’re moving now,”
Felix said, his tone sharp enough to cut through the hum of the light. Chan stepped forward. “You
don’t even know where the headquarters is.” “Yes, I do,” Felix replied. “I’ve known for weeks. I
didn’t tell you because I didn’t trust anyone enough to risk it getting out. Mina’s head tilted
slightly. And you trust us now? I trust that we have no other choice, Felix said. Gi’s bluffing or
he’s got something fabricated. Either way, we hit him before he hits us. Hanil crossed her arms.
You’ve been holding information from us. That makes you just as bad as don’t. Felix cut her off.
Don’t compare me to him. Why not? She shot back. You manipulate, you withhold, you push us into
dangerous situations without telling us the whole story because the whole story gets people killed.
Felix said, “You think June got where he is by being honest? You think the truth is some kind of
shield?” Jay slammed the laptop shut. Enough. We either trust each other for the next few hours or
we’re already done. Felix picked up his bag. We’re going. The headquarters wasn’t a skyscraper or
a fortress. It was worse. an unmarked five-story building in the middle of a business district. The
kind of place that looked so normal it disappeared into the background. That was Jiune’s real
advantage. They split into pairs. Felix with Mina, Chan with Hano, Jay staying back to coordinate the
drop in case it all went bad. As they approached the side entrance, Mina spoke without looking
at him. You’re not telling me everything. Felix kept walking. And you’re not asking the right
questions. I’m asking the one that matters, she said. What’s really on those drives? Proof, Felix
replied. Proof of what? That Jiun’s been using idols to launder money through shell companies
tied to entertainment contracts. That he’s been coercing. Stop, Mina interrupted. Don’t tell
me unless you’re sure you can trust me. Felix glanced at her. I can’t trust anyone completely.
Not anymore. They reached the door. Mina produced a slim key card and swiped it. The lock clicked.
Felix stopped. How do you have that? I told you, Mina said, stepping inside. I know how Jiune
operates. Inside, the building was quiet. Too quiet. Felix’s instincts screamed at him, but he
followed her up the stairwell. On the third floor, voices drifted from behind a half-open door. “He
won’t come here himself,” one man was saying. “He’s too careful. Maybe,” another replied. But
if he does, we’ll be ready,” Felix gestured to Mina. She nodded, then pushed the door open with
deliberate force. The two men inside spun around, but before they could react, Felix was in the
room, pressing one of them against the wall. “Where is he?” Felix demanded. The man tried to
twist free. “Who, Jun?” The second man laughed. “You think we’d tell you?” Felix slammed the
first man back against the wall hard enough to rattle the shelves. Try me. The man’s composure
cracked. Fourth floor, conference room at the end of the hall. Felix let him go. You’d better
be right. They took the stairs two at a time. As they reached the landing, Felix stopped. From the
hallway ahead came Jun’s voice, smooth as glass. I was wondering when you’d get here. He stepped into
view alone, wearing the same calm confidence he always did. You’ve been busy, June said, breaking
into my building, threatening my staff, Felix took a step forward. You’ve been busy destroying
lives. That’s one way to look at it, June replied. Another way is that I’ve been building an empire
and you’re trying to burn it down because you can’t stand not being the center of it. This isn’t
about me, Felix said. Everything’s about you, Juered. You can’t help it. Even when you
say you’re fighting for someone else, you’re really just fighting to make yourself look
good. Felix’s jaw tightened. You think this is a game? It is a game, Jiune said. The only question
is whether you know how to play. Felix stepped closer. Then let’s play. Jiune smiled faintly.
Already started. Before Felix could react, the door to the conference room opened and two
more men stepped out, each holding a phone. One of them hit play. Felix heard his own voice. Not from
tonight, not from any conversation he remembered. But it was him saying things he’d never said,
threats, accusations, and a confession to crimes that would end his career and his freedom. “What
is this?” Felix demanded. “It’s the truth,” Jiune said lightly. “Or at least, it’s what the world
will believe in about 15 minutes.” Felix turned to Mina. “Did you know about this?” Her eyes didn’t
move from June. No. Are you sure? Felix pressed. She looked at him finally. Yes, but you’re going
to have to trust me whether you want to or not. June spread his hands. Trust. Such a fragile
thing, so easy to break. Shall we see how quickly it shatters? Felix didn’t move at first. The words
from the recording still hung in the air. Ugly, deliberate, designed to slice through him. Every
syllable was an accusation. Every breath timed to match his voice patterns exactly. Jiu knew
what he was doing. Fake, Felix said finally, his voice low. That’s exactly what guilty people
say, Jiune replied, a thin smile in his tone. You think anyone who knows me will believe this? Felix
asked. I don’t need the people who know you, Jiune said. I need the millions who don’t. I need the
casual listener who scrolls past a headline and decides they’ve figured you out. That’s the beauty
of perception. It’s faster than truth. Mina took a step forward. Why now? Because Jiun said, “This
is the moment you’re most vulnerable. You’ve split your team. Your allies are starting to wonder if
you’ve been honest. You’ve been hiding things, Felix. That’s not just sloppy. It’s suspicious.”
Felix’s eyes didn’t leave him. If you wanted me out quietly, you would have leaked this without
warning. You came here to watch. I came here, Jiun said, to give you a choice. Walk away from
everything you’re holding on to. Disappear. and I let the recording die. Fight me and I make sure
it plays on every device in the country before sunrise. Felix’s laugh was short, humorless. You
really think I’m going to back down? I think June said that even your pride has limits. Mina’s voice
cut in sharp. And what if we take you down first? June turned to her. You won’t. Because deep down
you don’t care about Felix as much as you care about your own survival. That’s why you’re here,
isn’t it? close enough to both sides to jump whichever way the wind blows. Felix’s head snapped
toward her. “Is that true?” Mina didn’t answer immediately, which was answer enough for Jiune.
“There it is,” Jiune said softly. “The hesitation, the seed of doubt. That’s all I need.” Felix
stepped closer to him, closing the gap until they were only a pace apart. “You’ve been playing games
with me since the beginning. You think I’m just going to stand here while you destroy everything?
You already destroyed it.” June said, “I’m just turning on the light so everyone can see.” “Not
yet. You’re not.” Felix moved fast, grabbing Jon by the front of his coat and slamming him against
the door frame. The men with the phone stepped forward instantly, but June held up a hand,
still smiling. “There’s the Felix they’ll believe exists,” Jiune murmured. “Aggressive, unstable,
dangerous. Careful,” Felix said. “I’m trying very hard not to make this physical.” Jiune leaned in
just enough for Felix to hear the next line. Make it physical. Give me the footage I need. Felix
released him suddenly, stepping back. Not tonight. Then you’ve already lost, June said, brushing
off his coat. Because now I get to decide when it happens. Maybe in an hour. Maybe in a week. But
it will happen. Felix turned to Mina. We’re done here. They walked out without another word. Chan
and Hanu were waiting outside the stairwell. What happened? Chan asked. Felix didn’t answer. He just
kept moving until they were clear of the building, then finally stopped under the shadow of an
empty bus stop. “He’s got a fake audio of me,” Felix said, convincing enough to ruin everything.
Chan swore under his breath. “How doesn’t matter,” Felix said. “What matters is stopping it before
it spreads.” Hanel tilted her head. “Which means Felix’s eyes were cold now. We go public first.
our way. Mina finally spoke. You mean expose him before he can release the recording? Exactly.
Felix said, “If we can prove his operation exists and show why he’d target me, we make the recording
look like retaliation. The public will still talk, but it won’t stick the same way.” Chan frowned.
“That’s risky. If we miss even one piece of proof, we don’t miss,” Felix said. They moved fast,
regrouping with Jay in a cramped rental space two blocks away. The air inside was thick with
tension. Jay didn’t look up from his laptop. I’ve been tracking outgoing data from the building.
That recording, he’s already cued it on three different media servers. The moment he wants, it
goes live everywhere. Felix leaned over him. Can you block it temporarily? Maybe, Jay said. But
it’s like holding back a flood with a towel. Then give me enough time to make our move, Felix said.
Jay’s fingers flew across the keys. You’ve got 40 minutes before my block fails. After that, it’s
out of my hands. Felix looked around the room. We split again. Mina Chan, you’re with me.
Hanol, stay with Jay and coordinate. We’re going to pull the proof tonight. Mina crossed
her arms. And where exactly are we pulling it from? Felix gave her the answer she didn’t want
to hear. Jawoon’s private archive. For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Chan said, “You know that’s a
trap. It’s always a trap.” Felix said, “We just have to spring it on our terms.” They moved again,
the clock already bleeding away their margin for error. The streets blurred together until they
reached another anonymous building. This one with no lights in the windows. Inside, the server room
was colder. The hum of machines like a low pulse in the dark. Felix found the terminal, plugged
in the first drive, and began pulling data. Mina kept watch at the door. Chan moving between
the rows of racks. 30 minutes. Jay’s voice came over the calm. After that, I can’t stop
the upload. Felix worked faster. Folder after folder flashed across the screen. Contracts, wire
transfers, internal memos that tied June to shell companies and offshore accounts. It was enough
to bury him if they could get it out. 20 minutes, Jay said. Felix hit the final download. Got it.
We’re moving. They didn’t make it to the exit. Jiun was waiting in the hall this time with more
men and he wasn’t smiling. You really don’t learn, he said. Felix stepped forward, no hesitation.
“And you really don’t scare me. Then you’re going to enjoy what happens next,” June said. He
gestured and one of his men opened a case inside a monitor showing live feeds of multiple news
outlets. The headline was already there. Felix Lee scandalous audio leaked. You didn’t even wait
the full hour. Felix said, “I don’t need to.” Jiun said, “Because now, even if you have something on
me, you’re already discredited. No one will care what you say next.” Felix’s voice was ice. We’ll
see. and he stepped toward him, ready to play the game to the bitter end. The screen above them
flickered with the headline as if mocking every breath Felix took. Jiun’s men closed in, but Felix
didn’t step back. He looked straight at June, and when he spoke, the words cut the air like
glass. You think this is checkmate? It’s just your opening move. You’ve played this game so
long, you forgot that some pieces fight back. June’s tone was calm, but there was steel under
it. You’re not a piece, Felix. You’re the board, and I just set it on fire. Mina moved closer, her
voice sharp. Then you’d better be ready to burn with it. Jiun didn’t even look at her. You’re
still pretending you’re on his side? How long until you realize there’s no winning with him?
The minute he’s done with you, you’re disposable. That’s his history. Felix’s voice rose. Stop
talking like you know me. I know enough. Jun said, “You run on loyalty until it stops serving you,
and then you cut ties. That’s why your old allies won’t answer your calls anymore. Why some of your
own group is whispering that maybe, just maybe, this recording sounds a little too natural to be
fake. You made it sound natural,” Felix shot back. “You invested weeks in mimicking every inflection,
every pause in my voice. You’ve been setting this trap since the moment we met. And you walked right
in, Jun said almost gently. Chan spoke from behind Felix. If this was all about the recording,
you would have dropped it and walked away. You’re still here because you want something
else. Jun’s gaze flicked to him. Smart. Yes, I want something else. I want Felix to admit that
he’s exactly what I say he is. Felix’s laugh was harsh. You’ll die waiting. Then I’ll live ruining
you, Jiune replied. There was no warning before Felix moved, closing the distance in two steps
and shoving him hard into the wall. Gasps echoed down the corridor, but Jiune didn’t resist. He
let it happen. His eyes locked on Felix’s. Yes, that’s it. Give them the picture they need. Felix
didn’t hit him. He didn’t need to. His voice was low and shaking with fury. You built your entire
career on tearing down people better than you. But me, I’m not going to break the way they did.
June leaned forward until their foreheads almost touched. You’ve already cracked. All I’m doing
is pushing on the fracture. Mina grabbed Felix’s arm. We don’t have time for this. Felix let go of
Jiune and turned away. Relieving. As they reached the exit, June called after him. Run as far as you
want. The internet doesn’t have borders. Outside, the knight swallowed them. Chen was the first to
speak. We need to get ahead of this now. The feeds are already circulating. Felix pulled out his
phone, scrolling through messages that were piling in faster than he could read them, questions from
journalists, demands from the label, betrayal from strangers who’d been calling him a hero days ago.
“We’re not doing damage control,” he said finally. “We’re going to bury him under something bigger.”
“And what exactly is bigger than your supposed confession tape?” Mina asked. Felix’s eyes were
cold. Proof that Jiune has been using idols to launder money through fake contracts. It’s not
just about me anymore, Chan swore softly. If we leak that without airtight evidence, it’ll look
like retaliation. People will think you fabricated it. Then we make it airtight. Felix said, every
document, every transfer, every name he’s touched, we show them the network. Mina crossed her
arms. And if that network includes people you still care about, Felix’s answer was immediate.
Then they made their choice when they signed on with him. They holed up in a cramped safe house.
Jay already waiting, his laptop humming with the heat of overworked processors. I’ve been digging
since you left, he said. And I found something. June’s got a secondary server hidden under a false
registry in Busousan. It’s where he stores the raw contracts before laundering them through shell
companies. Felix leaned over his shoulder. Can you get in remotely? Not without setting off alarms,
Jay said. This one you’ll have to take physically. Felix nodded. Then that’s where we’re going.
Mina’s voice was sharp. You’re talking about breaking into one of the most heavily guarded
private archives in the industry. That’s not a casual job. Felix met her gaze. Nothing about this
has been casual since the moment Jiune decided I was his next target. Chan exhaled slowly. All
right, but if we’re doing this, we’re doing it with a plan. No improvising. Felix gave a short,
humorless smile. Everything we’ve done so far has been improvising. That’s how we’re still alive.
The next night they were on a train south. Nobody spoke much. The hum of the rails filled the
silence between them, tension coiling tighter with every mile. When they reached Busousan, Jay
guided them through back streets over the comms, directing them to a nondescript building near
the port. From the outside, it looked abandoned. Inside was another story. Rows of locked cabinets,
each tied to a central terminal. Felix moved fast, guided by Jay’s instructions, until he found the
right cabinet. The lock was high-grade, but Mina cracked it in under 2 minutes. Inside were the
contracts real names, fake names, dates, amounts, all perfectly detailed. Felix snapped photos,
copied files to a drive, every second aware that the clock was ticking. They were almost out when
voices echoed from deeper inside. G wounds. Felix froze. You think I don’t know you’d come here?
Jun’s voice carried easily in the space. You’re predictable, Felix. You’ve always been
predictable. Felix stepped into the open. Then why didn’t you stop me? Jiun smiled. And it was the
kind of smile that didn’t reach the eyes. Because I wanted you to take it. I wanted you to put your
fingerprints on stolen property. Now when the police find you, they won’t see a victim. They’ll
see a thief. Felix didn’t blink. You’re bluffing. Am I? Jon pulled out his phone and tapped once.
Somewhere in the building, an alarm began to wail. You have 3 minutes before this place swarms with
security. Better run, Felix. Better look guilty. Felix turned to the others. We’re leaving now.
They sprinted out. The sound of boots already pounding against concrete behind them. When they
finally ducked into the safety of an alley three blocks away, Chan was breathing hard. He wanted
this to happen. I know, Felix said. But now we have what we need, and I’m done playing defense.
Mina glanced at him. So, what’s the next move? Felix’s voice was steady, dangerous. We take him
down in the open. No shadows, no whispers. Liv, you’re going to stream it, Liv? Chan’s voice was
flat, like he wasn’t sure whether Felix had lost his mind or just decided to burn everything on
purpose. Yes, Felix said without hesitation. No editing, no time for him to spin the story. We
put everything out in real time. Mina shook her head sharply. That’s suicide. The second you go
live, his legal team will move to shut you down and every platform will buckle under pressure
from the investors backing him. That’s why we’re not streaming on one platform, Felix replied.
We’re mirroring across dozens private servers, pirate streams, fan networks. If one goes down,
another pops up. Jay’s fingers were already flying over his keyboard. I can set that up, but once
it’s out there, it’s out there forever. You won’t be able to take it back. Good, Felix said. That’s
the point. Jan leaned forward. Felix, think for a second. You’ve been holding it together this long
because we’ve been smart because we’ve moved like ghosts. The second you go public, you give him
a direct shot at you. He already has a direct shot. Felix snapped. He’s been firing since day
one. The difference now is that I’m done hiding behind walls. If I’m going to take the hit, I’m
going to make sure he bleeds, too. Mina crossed her arms. You keep talking like this is a duel.
It’s not. It’s a slaughter if you misstep. Felix turned to her. And you keep talking like we have
the luxury of caution. We don’t. Every day we wait. More people get pulled into his mess. More
lives get destroyed. Jay glanced between them. I’ve cracked part of his contact list. He’s been
paying off a network of reporters, influencers, and even a few idols to push smear campaigns. It’s
bigger than we thought. Felix’s jaw tightened. Then we exposed that, too. Chan’s voice dropped.
Deadly serious. What if that list has people you know, people you trust? Felix didn’t flinch. Then
they made their choice when they took his money. The room went silent for a moment, the weight
of his words sinking in. Mina broke it. Fine. If we’re going to war, we go prepared. But once this
starts, there’s no pulling you back from whatever hell comes after. Felix’s eyes were hard. I was
in hell the moment he called my name. Jay spun the laptop toward them. All right, I’ve got the stream
architecture ready. We can go live the second you want. Tomorrow night, Felix said. Prime time in
Korea. Early morning in the west. Maximum eyes, Chan frowned. That gives him time to make a move.
That gives us time to bait him, Felix corrected. The next 24 hours were a blur of calls, code,
and whispered strategy. Felix reached out to contacts he hadn’t spoken to in years, offering
them one chance to come clean before their names went public. Most didn’t answer. The ones who did
hung up quickly. By the next night, the air felt heavier, like the city itself knew something was
coming. The team was set up in a rented studio with backup power, satellite uplinks, and enough
redundancy to survive multiple takedowns. Once you start, Jay reminded him. You can’t stop. If
you hesitate even for a second, he’ll cut you off and make you look weak. I won’t hesitate, Felix
said. Chan was still watching him. Are you ready for the fact that the first thing he’s going to do
is go after your past? Every mistake you’ve made, every wrong word you’ve said, he’s going to drag
it all into the light. Felix’s voice was low but steady. Good. I’ll drag mine out first. Mina
gave a small humorless laugh. You’re insane, but at least you’re consistent. When the clock hit
9, Felix went live. There was no flashy opening, no stage theatrics, just him speaking directly
into the camera. You’ve all seen the clip. You’ve all heard the words that weren’t mine. Tonight,
you’re going to see the truth not just about me, but about the man who made that clip. From
there, he dropped name after name. Contract after contract. The documents June had been so
sure would bury him. Every file was mirrored on public servers as soon as it appeared on screen.
Screenshots spread like wildfire across social media, hashtags exploding in multiple languages.
Midway through, Jay’s monitor lit up with alerts. He’s flooding the feeds with counter claims.
Bots, fake accounts, paid influencers. He’s trying to drown us out. Let him, Felix said. We’ve got
the receipts. Every lie he tells, we answer with proof. But then the call came in. Jiune live on
another stream speaking to million. Felix. Jon’s voice carried through the room. You really think
you can win this by being louder? You’ve forgotten one thing. You’ve got secrets, too. And I’m not
afraid to share them. Do it, Felix said into the camera. Show them everything. Show them how far
you’ve reached into my life. Jiu smiled on his feed. With pleasure. What followed wasn’t a smear.
It was a precision strike. Old messages taken out of context. Private arguments with people Felix
had trusted. Moments of weakness laid bare for the world. The chat feed exploded with shock,
betrayal, anger. Chan’s voice was tight. We can spin this, but we need to know. Felix interrupted.
We don’t spin. We own it. He turned back to the camera. Everything you just saw is real. I’ve made
mistakes. I’ve hurt people. But I didn’t destroy lives for profit. I didn’t use fear to control
an industry. That’s the difference between me and him. The comments began to shift slowly,
painfully, but they shifted. Jiun’s expression darkened. You think this is a moral argument? This
is survival and you just signed your own death warrant. Felix leaned closer to the camera. Then
come collect. Then come collect. The words hung in the air like a thrown blade and Felix didn’t
look away from the lens. Somewhere on the other side of the stream, June leaned back in his chair,
smiling in that way that always meant something bad was about to happen. Do you think this is a
fight you can win on courage alone? Jun’s voice came back smooth and mocking. This industry
doesn’t reward courage. It rewards control. And I’ve had control over you since the day you
signed your first contract. Felix didn’t blink. And yet here I am, still standing, still speaking,
still breaking your grip. You’re breaking nothing. June replied. You’ve just woken a beast you can’t
put back in the cage. You mean you? Felix asked, his voice cutting through the rising chaos
in the stream comments. You’re not a beast, June. You’re a parasite. You feed off fear and
talent you never had. And tonight, everyone sees you for what you are. The comment feed scrolled
like a flood. Some messages were in all caps, some in Korean, some in English. All of them charged
with heat, anger, disbelief, blind loyalty, and the first sparks of rebellion. Jiune’s smirk
was steady. You’re forgetting something, Felix. I don’t just own your mistakes. I own the people you
care about. Should I remind you where your sister is right now? The temperature in the studio seemed
to drop instantly. Chan looked at him sharply. Mina froze midkeystroke. Jay muttered something
under his breath that Felix didn’t catch. Felix’s tone stayed flat. If you touch her, I don’t have
to touch her. Jon cut in. I just have to make sure she’s never able to walk into an audition
room without someone whispering your name like a curse. I can end her career before it begins. Just
like that. Felix’s jaw clenched. You think threats work on me now? They don’t have to work on you, Ji
said, his eyes narrowing on his feed. They work on everyone else, Mina slammed her hand on the desk.
We cut the feed now. This isn’t worth. No, Felix said sharply. We keep going, Felix, Jon started. I
said we keep going. Felix’s voice was raw now, his control slipping. If I stop here, he wins. And I
am done letting him win. June tilted his head. The picture of mock curiosity. You think this is about
winning or losing? This is about survival, Felix. And you’re not built for it. You still believe
in fair fights. I believe in exposing people like you. Felix shot back. And you’re giving me all
the proof I need. Proof? June laughed, but there was no humor in it. Your fans don’t care about
proof. They care about stories. and I tell better stories than you ever will. Then let’s tell them
both,” Felix said. “Right here, right now. You tell your story and I’ll tell mine, and we’ll see
which one survives the night.” For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The streams were locked in
a silent stare off. The audience caught between two fires. Then Jiune leaned forward. “Fine,” he
said. “Let’s finish it, but remember you wanted this.” The next hour was chaos. Jiune dropped
bombshell after bombshell, stories that twisted halftruths into weapons. Felix countered each one
with files, recordings, and witness statements Mina and Jay threw on screen in real time.
The audience numbers climbed past anything Felix had imagined. The feeds breaking into
global trending territory. But the real blow came when June pulled out something none of them
expected. a contract Felix had signed years ago, buried in legal language that effectively gave
June the rights to his stage name, his image, and every song he’d ever written under that name.
“This,” Jiune said, holding the paper up to the camera, “is why Felix Lee will be gone from the
industry by morning. He doesn’t even own himself.” The shock hit Felix like a punch, but he didn’t
look away from the lens. “You really think a piece of paper is going to erase me?” People don’t chant
a contract in stadiums. They chant a name. They chant a story. And tonight, my story belongs to me
again. Jiune shook his head slowly. You’re still clinging to that idealism. I almost pity you. You
don’t pity anyone. Felix said. You just haven’t figured out that you’ve already lost. The feed
erupted again. Hashtags multiplying like wildfire. Fans rallying. Others tearing him apart. The
digital battlefield shifting every second. Felix knew there was no going back. But for the first
time in years, he didn’t want to. The digital battlefield shifted every second, # stacking
in chaotic waves. Some screamed for Felix to be protected. Others demanded his exile, and the rest
spiraled into conspiracy threads, pulling in names from every corner of the K-pop world. Chan’s phone
buzzed non-stop on the desk beside him. Mina typed furiously, digging through contract archives. Jay
muttered about tracing Jiune’s broadcast source. Jiune didn’t blink. See, this isn’t about right
or wrong. It’s about who can flood the room with more noise until the other drowns. And you’re
already slipping under. Felix leaned forward, every word like a challenge. Then I’ll burn the
whole room down so there’s nothing left for you to control. You’ll burn yourself with it, June
replied smoothly. But that’s the problem with martyrs. They think the ash means they’ve won.
You talk like you’ve never lost, Felix said, his voice dropping into something sharper, colder.
But you have. You lost the moment you had to hide behind contracts and threats because your own
talent couldn’t keep you relevant. The comment stream exploded with, “Ooh, watch reactions and
question marks.” Jun’s jaw shifted, but his eyes stayed locked on the camera. “Talent fades. Power
doesn’t. Power without respect is just fear.” Felix shot back. “And fear crumbles fast when
people realize you’re not untouchable. untouchable enough to be sitting here while your precious Mina
is,” June let the sentence dangle. Felix’s tone hardened instantly. “Finish that sentence.”
“Oh, I think you already know,” Jiune said, tapping his earpiece. “She’s been very cooperative
in explaining exactly how much she knows.” “And you’d be surprised how quickly loyalty evaporates
when the right incentives are offered.” Mina’s fingers froze on the keyboard. “He’s lying,” she
said without looking up. “Am I?” Jun’s smile was infuriatingly calm. Or are you just afraid
he’ll believe me? Felix turned to Mina. Is there something I need to know? Her voice cracked
just enough to register. No, don’t let him. She was in my office 2 months ago. June cut in. Not
once, but twice. Said she wanted to discuss your instability. I didn’t even have to push her. She
volunteered details. said she was worried you’d self-destruct and take everyone with you. “That’s
not true,” Mina snapped. “You’re twisting. I have the recordings.” Jun said, “Shall I play them?”
For a moment, the air in the room was thick enough to choke on. Felix’s eyes were locked on Mina,
searching for something in her expression he could hold on to. “Play them,” Felix said finally.
“Felix,” Mina started, but her voice faltered. Jiong tapped something offcreen. A grainy audio
file began to play Mina’s voice, unmistakable, saying, “I don’t know how much longer we can
trust him. He’s volatile. If he snaps, he’ll ruin everything.” Felix’s knuckles whitened on the edge
of the desk. “That’s edited.” “It’s not,” Jiune said softly. “It’s just the truth no one else had
the courage to say out loud.” “Felix, you have to believe me.” Mina started, but Felix stood so
abruptly his chair scraped back. Not here, he said through clenched teeth. We’ll talk after. Oh,
you won’t get after, Jon interjected. Because this is it. This is the last act of the Felix Lee Show.
Tomorrow, the industry will have a new headline, and you’ll be a footnote one with a reputation so
toxic even your most loyal fans will scrub your name from their playlists. Felix stepped closer to
the camera, voice steady despite the fire behind it. You’ve made a career out of destroying people
and calling it business. But I’m still here and you’re the one scrambling to justify yourself on a
live stream. That’s not power. That’s desperation. Gi’s smirk faltered just a fraction, but enough
for Felix to see it. Desperation? Felix repeated, savoring the word. Because for all your contracts
and lawyers and rumors, you can’t erase the truth once it’s out. And you can’t control me anymore.
Jiune leaned forward, his tone turning venomous. You think this is about control? No, Felix.
This is about survival and you just declared war on someone who has nothing to lose. Neither
do I, Felix said. The silence that followed was deafening. Then June cut the feed. The chat
box went berserk. Thousands of viewers slamming messages in all languages. Chan swore under his
breath. Mina stood slowly, her face unreadable. You shouldn’t have let him get to you, Jay said
quietly. Felix ignored him, looking straight at Mina. We talk now. The door to the rehearsal room
slammed shut behind them. No cameras now. No live stream. No comment section to weaponize. The hum
of the city outside felt distant, as though they were suspended in a space that existed only
for this conversation. Felix didn’t waste a second. Tell me exactly what happened 2 months
ago. Mina’s arms tightened across her chest, but her voice was steady. I went to his office.
Yes, but not to betray you. I went because I thought if I could reason with him, if I could
calm him down, maybe he’d stop trying to provoke you. That recording didn’t sound like calming him
down, Felix said, each word clipped. It sounded like you handing him ammunition. You think I don’t
know how he works. That every sentence you say in his presence becomes a weapon. I tried to speak in
a way that wouldn’t make him suspect I was on your side. You called me volatile, Felix said, the word
hitting the air like a slap. because that’s what he already believed. Mina’s voice cracked now,
the composure slipping. If I’d contradicted him, he would have known I was defending you. I played
along so he wouldn’t dig deeper. Felix stepped closer. And you didn’t think to tell me? Not
once. You let me find out from him on a public broadcast in front of everyone. I was protecting
you. No, you were protecting yourself from having to deal with me if I got angry. Her silence was
damning. Jay’s voice broke in from the corner. He’d followed them in without either noticing.
She’s not lying. I saw her leave his office both times. The second time, she looked like she’d
been threatened. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Felix snapped. “Because,” Jay said flatly. “You
were already walking a tightroppe. If you knew, you’d have gone straight to him, and that would
have been exactly what he wanted. He thrives on pulling you into his frame, so he controls
the terms of the fight.” Felix turned away, pacing. So, everyone decided I was too fragile to
handle the truth. No, Mina said, stepping forward now. We decided you were too important to lose
to his game. He stopped pacing, but didn’t look at her. Then you should have trusted me enough
to decide how to play it. Mina’s voice softened. And what would you have done? Felix finally met
her eyes. I’d have gone to him. Not in secret, not in shadows, in the open. where the world could
see exactly what kind of man he is. That’s not a strategy. That’s suicide, Jay said. It’s the only
way to break someone who lives in the shadows, Felix replied. The room went quiet again, each
of them wrestling with the implications. Then Chan’s phone rang from somewhere on the floor,
the shrill tone slicing through the tension. He answered, listened for 10 seconds, then said,
“Felix, you’re going to want to hear this.” Felix took the phone. On the other end, a voice he
hadn’t heard in years said, “You’ve been looking in the wrong place. Jiuon’s not acting alone.”
The voice belonged to Hyanoke, a former label exec who’d vanished after a scandal that Jiune
had supposedly orchestrated. “What do you mean not alone?” Felix asked, his throat tight. “You think
he’s after you because of a sponsor blunder?” “No, you’re just the easiest trigger. There’s someone
above him. Someone who wants your entire group dismantled.” Felix’s pulse quickened. Names? Not
over the phone. Hunok said. Meet me tonight. Same rooftop as before. The line went dead. Mina
stared at Felix. Do you trust him? No, Felix said. But I trust Jiune even less. And if Hyans’s
telling the truth, then we’ve been playing against a much bigger opponent than we thought. Jay ran a
hand through his hair. If this is bigger than Jiu, we’re in over our heads. Felix shook his head
slowly. No, it means we’ve been aiming at the wrong target, and that’s exactly why they think
they’ll win. Mina’s voice was quiet but sharp. If you go tonight, it could be a trap. Felix looked
at her. Everything is a trap now. The only choice is which one we walk into on our own terms. The
city’s neon glare bled across the skyline as Felix pushed open the heavy metal door to the rooftop.
The wind cut through the silence, but no one moved yet. Hyansk stood near the railing, hands in his
coat pockets, head tilted like he’d been waiting for this moment for years. I didn’t think you’d
actually show, Hyansuk said, not turning around. Felix stepped closer. You called me. I’ve called
you before. You didn’t answer then. I didn’t need you then. Hyansuk finally faced him. And now Felix
didn’t answer directly. You said June isn’t the one pulling the strings. So who is? Jonio’s
eyes flickered, scanning the shadows behind Felix. “You came alone?” Felix’s jaw tightened. “Do you
really think I’d bring back up to a meeting you said?” “You should have,” Hansoke said almost
as if it were a warning. “Because if we’re both right, and this goes as far up as I think it
does, there’s no walking away clean. I didn’t come here to be afraid,” Felix said. “That’s
exactly why they picked you,” Hyansak replied. You’re reckless enough to be bait and stubborn
enough to fight until you’ve bled yourself dry. Names Hyenzoke. Fine. The one above Jiune is Park
Doyun. Felix froze. That’s not possible. It’s not only possible, it’s been happening for years.
Doyian doesn’t just run one label. He runs half the sponsorship contracts in the K-pop industry.
Gi is just one of his pit dogs. Felix shook his head. No. Doun sponsored our debut year. He’s
the reason. He’s the reason you’ve been under his thumb since the first showcase. Hyans interrupted.
You think the sudden push for your group was luck? It was a leash. You’ve been dancing exactly
where he wants you. And why now? Why go this far? Because you broke the rules. You refused to play
the gratitude game. Every time you’ve spoken out, every time you’ve questioned a contract or
defended another artist, you’ve made it harder for him to keep the machine running. Felix’s voice
was low. So Mina’s scandal was manufactured. Jiune leaked it because Doun needed an excuse to
destabilize your image before pulling the plug entirely. Felix’s fists clenched. And you? Where
do you fit in this? Hyansk smiled bitterly. I was supposed to be the cleaner. I took the fall for a
budget scandal that was actually Doan’s laundering scheme. Jiune handed me the knife, but it was Dian
who told him where to stab. And now you’re what? Some whistleblower with a conscience. No. Hyansuk
said. I’m someone who wants to burn them down, but I can’t do it alone. I need you. Felix took
a step closer. And what makes you think I trust you? You don’t have to. You just have to hate them
more than you hate me. The rooftop door creaked open again. Felix turned sharply, but it wasn’t
Jiun’s people. It was Mina. She walked toward them without a word, her eyes never leaving
Hyansuk. You didn’t tell me she was coming, Hyansuk said. She wasn’t supposed to, Felix
replied. So why are you here? Mina stopped a few feet away. Because I know what Doun did.
And if you’re really going to take him down, you need more than accusations. You need proof.
I have it. Hans’s gaze sharpened. What kind of proof? Mina’s lips pressed into a thin line.
Financial trails, contract drafts, payments routed through shell companies in Hong Kong. I took
them from Jiune’s private server before I left. You broke into his server? Felix said. No, Mina
replied. I had the password. He trusted me once. Felix exhaled slowly. You’ve been sitting on this.
I’ve been waiting for the right time. Mina said. If I move too soon, he’d bury it. If I waited too
long, he’d bury me. Hyansoke stepped forward. Then we have everything we need. Felix looked between
them. No, we have pieces. pieces won’t survive a smear campaign when they hit us back. They will if
we make the first move, Kyok said. Felix shook his head. No, they’ll expect that. We have to make the
move they won’t see coming. Mina crossed her arms. And what move is that? Felix’s eyes were cold now.
We don’t leak it to the press. We leak it to the investors. Hyans smirked. You’re thinking bigger
than I gave you credit for. I’m thinking about cutting off the head, not the tail, Felix replied.
The air between them was tight with a dangerous sort of agreement. Mina finally said, “If we do
this, there’s no going back.” Felix’s answer was immediate. There was no going back the moment they
tried to humiliate me on that stage. The room was dim except for the glow from Mina’s laptop.
The three of them sat around the small table, its surface littered with half-drunk coffee cups
and hastily scrolled notes. Felix leaned forward, eyes fixed on the spreadsheet, scrolling across
the screen. That’s $50 million, he said slowly, his voice tight. 52, Mina corrected, clicking into
another tab. Spread across eight shell companies. Most of them registered under false directors in
Macau. But look here, she highlighted a set of transactions. Every one of these has a matching
withdrawal the same week from an entertainment trust controlled by Doun. Hyansk gave a short,
humorless laugh. This is better than I thought. It’s not just laundering, it’s embezzlement from
investor funds. Felix didn’t look away from the screen. If this gets out, it won’t just get out,
Mina interrupted. We can’t dump this online and hope for the best. They’d bury it. They’d sue
anyone who touches it, and they’d win because they own the narrative. We need the right
kind of chaos. Felix’s gaze flicked to her. Define right kind. The kind where the people who
control Doyan’s money turn on him before he knows he’s been exposed. Investors, partners, foreign
sponsors. They don’t care about loyalty. They care about risk. Make him look like a liability and
they’ll feed him to the wolves. Hyanzi sat back, arms crossed. I can get you in front of one
investor, but he won’t talk without leverage. I can give him leverage. Mina said more than enough.
The problem is making sure we survive long enough for him to act. Felix pushed the laptop away.
Then we move fast. Tomorrow shook his head. No, too soon. We need to plant doubt first. You go
in swinging right away and Doun will smell the blood before the investors even see it.
Felix shot him a glare. And if we wait, he’ll tighten the leash and we’ll lose the chance.
This isn’t a concert, Felix, Hyanoke said sharply. You can’t just rush the stage and expect applause.
We’re dismantling a man who’s built his empire on fear and silence. You rush him, you die. Then
tell me the timeline,” Felix said coldly. Hyanso tapped the table once. “3 days we make it look
like whispers, not an attack. Give the investors time to panic. By the time they come looking
for answers, you’ll be holding the blade.” Mina nodded. He’s right. We drip feed suspicion. I’ll
send one file to a contact I trust in Singapore. Not the whole thing, just enough to suggest Dian’s
been moving money offshore. That rumor will circle fast in the investor community. Felix’s voice
was low but firm. And while they’re talking, I find out how deep this goes. Hyans leaned
forward. What are you planning? I’m going to June, Felix said. Mina’s eyes widened. Are you insane?
He’ll kill the story before it even breathes. Not if he thinks I’m on his side, Felix replied. He
doesn’t know I’ve seen this. If I play it right, I can get him to confirm Dyian’s moves without
realizing he’s doing it. Hyansak gave him a long look. You’re walking into the mouth of the
beast. Felix didn’t blink. I’ve been in his mouth for years. I know how not to get chewed up.
The air in the room felt heavier. Mina closed the laptop slowly. Fine, but if you’re doing this, you
don’t go alone. Felix shook his head. I need to. If you’re anywhere near me when this happens,
he’ll smell the setup. Hyans said. Then you take something with you. Something that makes
it impossible for him to shut you down without drawing attention. Felix arched a brow. Like what?
Hyansak pulled a small voice recorder from his coat pocket and slid it across the table. He likes
to talk. Let him get him comfortable. Then keep him talking until he says something that can’t be
unsaid. Felix picked it up, turning it over in his hand. And if he doesn’t say anything, Yunio smiled
grimly. Then you make him. The next afternoon, Felix walked into the private bar where Jiune
liked to meet. It was nearly empty, save for the staff who kept their eyes carefully averted.
Jiune sat at a corner booth, a half-finish glass in front of him. “You’re late,” June said
without looking up. “I wasn’t sure you’d take the meeting,” Felix replied. “I always take
the meeting,” June said. “The question is whether you’ll like how it ends.” Felix slid into the
booth. “I’m not here to fight you.” “That would be a first. I’m here because I think Doyian’s
making a mistake,” Felix said deliberately. That got Jiun’s attention. “Go on,” Felix leaned
forward slightly. “You know the Macau accounts?” Jiun’s fingers stilled on the glass. “What about
them? I hear their bleeding money.” Quietly, but fast. If the wrong people notice, they’ll
come after whoever’s name is on those accounts. Ji Wun’s expression didn’t change, but there was
a pause before he spoke again. You’ve been talking to the wrong people or the right ones, Felix
countered. If Dyian’s playing with investor funds, he’s dragging you down with him. Careful, Felix.
I’m being careful, Felix said evenly. I’m not saying I want to see you fall. I’m saying I
think you’re standing on a collapsing bridge, and I’d rather be on the same side when it goes.
Jiune studied him for a moment, then leaned back. You think I don’t know where the money’s going?
I think you know exactly where it’s going, Felix replied his tone flat. And I think you’re
not telling the investors because you like breathing. Jun’s mouth curled into a faint smirk.
You always were sharper than you looked. Then you know I’m right, Felix said. And you know if the
investors find out before you’ve made your move, you’re done. June was silent for a moment,
then said, meet me here tomorrow night. I’ll have something for you. What kind of something?
The kind that makes a man like Doun disappear, Jiune said. Felix didn’t look away. I’ll be here.
As he stood to leave, Jiune added, “And Felix, don’t bring anyone. If I see anyone watching,
there won’t be a tomorrow night.” The city outside was still alive when Felix stepped out
of the bar, but inside his head, it was already tomorrow night. Mina and Hyansuk were waiting
for him in a tiny basement cafe across town, the kind where no one asked questions. The moment
he slid into the booth, Mina leaned forward. Well, he took the bait, Felix said. Meeting tomorrow.
He says he’s bringing me something that can make Doun disappear. Hyun’s eyes narrowed. Or
he’s setting you up. I know, Felix said. But if it’s real, it’s the break we need, Mina shook her
head. It’s never that simple. If June’s turning on Doyen, it’s not because he likes you. It’s because
he’s calculated. You’re useful to him for 5 minutes before he cuts you loose. You need an exit
plan. I have one, Felix said. You don’t, Hyansoke replied bluntly. You’re going in blind, Felix
looked between them. You two wanted me in this game. You can’t pull me out the second it gets
dangerous. This isn’t dangerous, Hyans said. It’s suicidal, and if we don’t take the shot now, Felix
asked. How many more public humiliations? How many more careers wrecked just because Doun woke up
in a mood? I’m done waiting for the perfect plan. This is happening. Mina exhaled slowly. Then we
need a way to make sure Jiun can’t just hand you over. I’ll be nearby. Even if he told you to come
alone. No, Felix said sharply. If he sees you, he won’t. Mina cut in. I’ll be in the building,
not in the room. You’ll have backup whether you like it or not. Hunsoke added. And I’ll make
sure if things go bad, there’s noise in the press before Dun can spin it. If Jiune thinks you’re
more valuable alive than dead, you get to walk out. Felix didn’t argue further. They all knew the
stakes. The next night, Felix walked into the same bar. June was at the same booth, a sealed envelope
on the table in front of him. You came alone, June said, glancing past Felix. I said I would.
Jiune tapped the envelope. Inside is a list of transactions and names that lead straight to
Doyian’s offshore network. Bank managers, lawyers, ghost directors, enough to ruin him if it lands
in the right hands. Felix didn’t touch it yet. Why give this to me? Because I’m tired of cleaning up
his mess, June said. And because I know you hate him enough to burn the whole thing down without
asking for payment. And what do you get out of it? My hands clean when the fire starts. Felix reached
for the envelope, but Jiune put a hand over it. One condition. Felix waited. You take this to
the investors first, not the press. Let them deal with him privately. Public scandal helps no
one. If this goes public before they’ve moved, we both lose. Felix’s voice was calm. And if
they decide to bury it, they won’t. Jiune said, “They’ve been waiting for a reason to cut him
loose. You’re about to give them one.” Felix slid the envelope toward himself. “Then we’re
done here.” As he stood, Jiune added quietly, “Be careful who you trust with that. If Mina or
Hunzac see it before the investors do, this whole thing collapses.” Felix didn’t answer. He walked
out into the night, the weight of the envelope heavier than it should have been. Felix didn’t
sleep that night. The envelope sat on his desk like a live grenade, its seal unbroken. Mina’s
voice kept circling in his mind. “It’s never that simple.” Hyanzok’s warning sharper. It’s suicidal
and Ji Wun’s condition. Quiet but poisonous. If Mina or Hyanzok see it before the investors
do, this whole thing collapses. By morning, the decision wasn’t any clearer. His phone buzzed.
Mina, you’ve got it, don’t you? Felix hesitated. Yes. What’s in it? I haven’t opened it yet.
You’re lying. I’m not. Silence for a moment, then bring it to me. No, that’s not happening.
Felix, if you think for one second that Jiune didn’t build a trap into whatever he handed you,
you’re dumber than I thought. It’s not a trap. How would you know? You’re just holding it. You don’t
even know if those documents are real. For all you know, there’s a GPS tracker in the envelope,
and Doun’s laughing right now watching you try to look brave. Felix said nothing. Meet me at my
apartment, Mina continued. We open it together, we decide together. That’s not what June said.
And since when do you follow Ji Woon’s rules, he ended the call. By midday, Hunok was calling.
Felix almost didn’t answer, but curiosity won. Word is you’ve got something. Hyansk said, “Who
told you that? You think I need someone to tell me? I’ve been watching Jun for a week. He doesn’t
meet you twice in 3 days unless he’s handing you something he doesn’t want on his desk.” Felix
sideighed. If I show you, Mina will demand to see it. If she sees it, Jiune will know. If Jiu knows,
the investors get spooked and Doun survives. That’s the math. Hyansk laughed, not amused, but
bitter. You still think you’re running this game, Felix. If you’re holding something that can
destroy Doun, then you’re not in control. You’re the fuse. What’s your point? My point
is fuses burn out fast and everyone’s watching to see which way you explode. That evening, Mina
showed up at his apartment unannounced. She didn’t knock. “Open it,” she said. “No.” “Then I will.”
She stepped toward the desk. Felix blocked her. “You don’t get to decide. Neither do you.” She
snapped. “This isn’t about your pride, Felix. This is about survival. You think you can take
down Doyian without blood. You’re dreaming. And if that envelope’s real, then your blood is first on
the floor.” Jiun said. Jun said whatever he needed to get you to carry his mess. Do you know how
many people have done exactly what you’re doing right now and vanished? You’re a pawn, Felix,
and pawns don’t get to negotiate. The shouting match went on until Mina stopped cold, staring at
him. You’ve already opened it, Felix hesitated, then reached into the desk and pulled out the now
unsealed envelope. I had to know if it was real, and it’s real. Mina scanned the documents
quickly. If this gets out, it’s not just Doun. Half the industry goes down with him. That’s why
it has to go to the investors first. And if the investors bury it, then we burn everything. But
neither of them noticed the phone on the desk, screen glowing. A call was still connected. The
line was still live. Somewhere on the other end, someone was listening and not passively. A faint
click broke through like a decision had been made. Felix didn’t notice until Mina’s eyes narrowed.
Who were you talking to before I came in? No one. She grabbed the phone, checked the screen, and
froze. He unokeaked. Felix’s pulse kicked. Give it back. Too late, she said, tossing it onto
the couch. He heard everything. A sharp knock at the door followed. Not a friendly one. Mina’s
voice dropped. If that’s him, you need to let me handle it. Felix opened the door anyway. Hans
stepped inside like he owned the room. You two are loud. I could hear you down the hall before I
even picked up the call. Were you recording? Mina demanded. Hyansk ignored her and looked straight
at Felix. So, it’s true. You have the documents. Felix didn’t answer. You realize, Hyans continued,
that if you thought the investors were your safest play, you’re already dead. They don’t want this
to come out. It’s worth more to them buried than exposed. That’s not what Jiune Felix started.
Jiune’s a liar. Heno cut in. Always has been. He’s selling you as a scapegoat, Felix. He leaks
just enough through you. The storm hits and then you take the fall. He comes out clean. Dian
gets bruised but not broken. Mina folded her arms. I told you this hours ago. You just didn’t
want to hear it. Hansoke smirked. The difference is I have an alternative which is Felix asked.
Not here. Too many years. Mina shook her head. If you think we’re following you anywhere, you
don’t have to. I’ll bring it to you, but you’re going to need to decide whose ruin you want more.
Doians, Gi Wounds, or your own. Felix didn’t sleep again that night. Hyanuk’s words chewed at him,
but Mina were sharper. You’re a pawn, was he? Or was he just playing like one because it was safer
than admitting he didn’t know the rules. By dawn, his phone lit up with a video file. No message,
just the file. He played it. Grainy security footage timestamped from two nights ago outside a
high-end hotel. Doun emerging from a car laughing with two men Felix didn’t recognize. One of them
handed him a black case. The other Jiune. Felix froze the frame. It was June. No mistaking
the suit, the haircut, the arrogant tilt of his head. A second later, Mina called. Check
your messages. I already saw it. Then you know what? that Ji Woon’s playing both sides. He’s
feeding Doun while pretending to help you take him down. And if Hyano got that footage, it means
there’s more. Felix’s throat was dry. Why send it to me? Because he wants you to turn on June. The
question is, are you willing to? At noon, Hyuno called. Ready to talk about what? About the fact
that Ji Woon’s not your ally. About the fact that if you stick with him, you won’t make it to the
next showcase. Why me? Felix asked. Why not just leak it yourself? Because I’m not the one holding
the evidence that can burn the industry down. You are. And you have something I don’t. The trust of
people who’d never take my call. I give you the rest. You take it public. Jiun burns. Doun burns.
The investors scatter. And maybe, just maybe, you walk away alive. Mina on speaker cut in. And
what’s your price? Hunoke didn’t hesitate. When this is over, my name stays clean. No mention,
no trace. Felix looked at Mina. And if we say no, Hyans’s voice was flat. Then I send the footage to
Do Yune instead. And he comes for you before June even gets the chance. The choice hung between
them like a Felix didn’t answer immediately. The silence in the room felt like a living thing
pressing against him, waiting to see which way he would move. Mina stared at him like she was trying
to read the answer before he spoke. Hyanoke didn’t blink. He knew the pause was part fear, part
calculation. I’m not agreeing to anything without seeing what else you have, Felix said finally.
Hunzoke’s mouth curved slightly, but not into a smile. Then you’d better clear your schedule. Mina
crossed her arms. You’re not bringing anything here. Not until we know it won’t track back to us.
That’s cute, Hyansuk said, his tone razor thin. But the truth is, if they’re watching you, they
already know where you’ve been, who you’ve talked to, and probably how many times you’ve thought
about betraying them. “We’re past the point of safety.” “You don’t get to decide that for us,”
Mina shot back. “I’m not deciding it,” Hyansio replied. “I’m telling you the reality. Pretend
it’s not true if you want, but pretending doesn’t change the fact that you’ve already crossed the
line.” Felix finally stood, pushing away the desk he’d been leaning on. “When and where?” Hian’s
eyes flicked to Mina before answering. Tonight, 11 p.m. Basement of the old Starwave rehearsal
building. That place is condemned, Mina said. Exactly, Jonak replied. No cameras, no staff, just
the three of us. And what I’m going to show you will decide whether you’re still breathing by next
week. When he left, the room felt heavier. Mina didn’t sit. She paced, muttering half sentences
Felix couldn’t quite catch. Say it, he said. She stopped pacing. You’re walking into a trap.
Maybe, he admitted. But if I don’t, we stay in the one we’re already in. That’s not logic. That’s
desperation, she said. And desperation’s how they get people like you two, she cut herself off, then
said more quietly. To take the fall. Felix didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. She already knew he
was going. The basement smelled like dust and old secrets. Felix got there early just to see
if anyone was watching. No one came. 10 minutes before 11, Mina arrived, muttering something about
regretting every second of this. At exactly 11, footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Hyanzok
descended carrying a slim black case. He set it on the ground between them, crouched, and popped
the locks. Inside were three flash drives, each labeled with a date and a set of initials. This,
he said, pointing to the first, is Jiune and Doun last year, splitting off the book’s profits from
a Chinese tour. This one, he tapped the second, is Jiune paying off a reporter to kill a story
about Felix’s contract negotiations. And this, he tapped the last, is going to make you rethink
everything you thought you knew about the people funding your career. Felix reached for it,
but Hyans pulled it back. Not yet. First, I need your word that when this blows up, my name
doesn’t come up. Not in whispers. Not in shadows. Fine, Felix said. Mina glared at him. You’re
agreeing too fast. I don’t care, Felix replied. If this is real, we don’t have time for games.
Hunok handed him the third drive. Watch it alone. Then decide whether you still want to burn Jiune
or if there’s someone bigger you should be aiming at. What’s on it? Mina asked. Hyansk’s gaze didn’t
leave Felix. Let’s just say it’s the kind of thing that doesn’t just end a career, it ends lives. And
then he left, leaving the case on the floor. Felix didn’t wait. Back at Mina’s, he plugged the drive
into her laptop. The first file was a meeting room timestamped 2 months ago. Doian was there. Yes,
but so were two men. Felix didn’t recognize, speaking in low tones. One of them slid a
folder across the table. Doian opened it, glanced at the contents, and nodded. The second
file hit harder. It was June in the same room, but this time the folder was open, and Felix’s
name was on the top page of a printed dossier. The rest of the page was redacted. Jiun tapped the
folder, said something Felix couldn’t hear, and both men across from him laughed. One of them held
up three fingers, then two. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Mina asked. Felix swallowed.
“3 months, 2 weeks? That’s what they’re giving me before?” He couldn’t finish the sentence. The last
file made his stomach twist. It wasn’t Dune. It wasn’t June. It was the head of one of the largest
entertainment conglomerates in Seoul. A man who didn’t involve himself in day-to-day artist drama.
Except here he was signing a document that listed Felix as an asset under temporary utility. Mina
leaned back. You’re not fighting Jon Felix. You’re fighting the system that built him. He didn’t
reply. He couldn’t because for the first time since this started, he wasn’t sure if there was
a way out that didn’t end with him destroyed. Felix didn’t sleep. The glow from the laptop had
burned itself into his mind. Each image replaying like a loop he couldn’t stop. By morning, Mina
was still awake, too, though she pretended to be scrolling her phone instead of watching him think.
You’re going to meet him again, aren’t you? She said. Felix didn’t answer right away. If I don’t,
we’re finished. If I do, we might be finished faster. Not much of a choice. Stop pretending this
is noble, Mina said sharply. You’re doing this because you can’t stand the idea of them pulling
your strings without you even knowing which way you’re being pulled. You’re right, he admitted.
And that’s exactly why I have to do it. Before she could argue, his phone buzzed. A message. No name
attached. 24 hours. Decide. After that, it’s out of my hands. Hunoke? Mina asked. Has to be. Felix
said, “He’s pushing me to move or warning you that he’s about to sell you out.” Mina countered.
Felix pocketed the phone. “Then I’d better get something to trade before he does.” The meeting
place this time wasn’t abandoned. It was worse. A private dining room in one of the most public
restaurants in Gangnam, the kind where paparazzi waited outside like vultures. “If anyone saw Felix
there with Hyans, it wouldn’t just be gossip, it would be a weapon.” “You came,” Hyansuk said when
Felix stepped inside. You didn’t give me a choice, Felix replied. There’s always a choice, Hyansk
said, pouring tea he had no intention of drinking. You could have walked away. You could have let
them set the clock on you and hope they change their minds. But you didn’t. Which means you’re
ready to stop playing defense. Stop talking like you’re my coach, Felix said. Tell me what you
want. Hunioak leaned forward. June’s downfall won’t come from the scandals you’ve seen. They’ll
survive those. The only thing that can break him is making the people above him believe he’s a
liability. And you have a way to do that? Felix asked. I have a way to make them think the cost of
protecting him is higher than cutting him loose, Hyans said. But it’s going to require you to
burn someone you think is still on your side. Who? Felix asked. Hyansuk’s pause was deliberate.
Han Bule. Felix’s breath caught. Hanbiel wasn’t just a colleague. She was someone who had vouched
for him when the label tried to ice him out last year. “That’s not happening. Then you don’t want
this badly enough.” Hyansak said, standing like the meeting was over. Felix grabbed his arm. “If
you think I’m going to trade her in, you don’t understand me at all.” Hyansk didn’t pull away.
“I understand you perfectly. You think loyalty is a shield. It’s not. It’s a leash and they’re
holding the other end. You want to cut Jiune off, you have to make his protectors believe he can’t
control his own allies. Hanbiel is the only one who can play that role convincingly. Mina’s voice
cut in from the doorway. She hadn’t been invited, but she’d come anyway. And what happens to her
after that? She gets blacklisted, destroyed, she gets free, said, “If you think she’s happy under
Jiun’s leash, you’re more naive than I thought.” Felix looked at Mina. “He’s lying or telling you
the only truth you don’t want to hear,” Mina said. That night, Felix sat in his apartment, staring at
the blank wall like it might offer an alternative. “He knew Hyans’s plan would work. He also knew it
would ruin Hen Bule. Maybe she’d rebuild somewhere else. Maybe she wouldn’t, but it wouldn’t be
the same.” His phone rang. It was her. Felix, something’s off. Jun’s people have been asking
questions about you and about me. Do you know why? No, he said, the lie tasting bitter. Be careful,
she said. I think they’re trying to set something up. After she hung up, Mina spoke from the
kitchen. She already suspects if you don’t move first, they’ll make her the bait anyway. Felix’s
hands clenched. Then maybe the only choice left is deciding who gets to set the terms. Hyansio’s plan
came together faster than Felix expected. A staged leak. A meeting between Hanbule and an anonymous
investor that just happened to be caught on a conveniently placed security camera. A rumor about
her planning to jump ship to a rival label tied to an email chain Felix himself would accidentally
forward to June’s inner circle. When the first story broke online, Felix felt sick. Haniel called
him angry and scared. “Tell me you didn’t know about this.” “I didn’t,” he said again. She didn’t
believe him. If I find out you’re behind this, Felix, I swear. She hung up before finishing.
Mina didn’t speak for a long time. When she did, it was only, “Congratulations. You’ve just made
yourself the kind of person you said you hated.” Felix didn’t answer. He couldn’t decide if he’d
just destroyed her to save himself or if he’d destroyed them both. The studio felt smaller than
ever, though. It wasn’t the walls pressing in. It was the weight of every secret now hanging between
them. Felix didn’t bother looking up when the door opened. He already knew who it was. Why did you
do it? Hanvil’s voice was sharp, but steadier than he’d expected. Felix finally met her eyes.
“If you think I did it to hurt you, you’re wrong. You could have called me.” She said, “You could
have told me what was coming. I couldn’t,” Felix said. “If you’d known, they’d have seen it in your
face. They would have known it was staged. So, it was you. It was me,” he admitted. But I swear
it was the only way to to what? Save yourself? Her tone didn’t waver. Yanzok’s been feeding me his
version of your little alliance. How much of it is true? Felix didn’t answer right away. Enough
to make me hate myself. That’s not an answer, she said. Because the truth isn’t clean, Felix said.
If I told you everything, you would have run to June. Not because you’re loyal to him, but because
you hate lies more than you hate him. She stepped closer. You think you understand me? You don’t.
I would have burned this place to the ground with you if you just asked. Mina, who had been
leaning silently in the corner, finally spoke. No, you wouldn’t have. Not until they came for you
first. Now they have. Handiel turned to her. And you? How long have you been helping him destroy
people? Long enough to know it’s the only way to survive in this industry. Mina said. You can play
saint if you want, but saints get crucified here. Haniel shook her head. “No, the two of you have
convinced yourselves you’re playing some kind of higher game, but all you’re doing is becoming
the thing you said you’d take down.” Felix’s voice dropped. “Maybe, but Jun’s not untouchable
anymore. They’re turning on him. The people upstairs are starting to see him as a liability
because you gave them a reason to,” Henbule said bitterly. “You didn’t expose him. You just made me
look like a traitor so they’d question his grip. Your career’s not over, Felix said. It’s not
about my career, she shot back. It’s about trust, and you killed it. The door opened again. Hyanuk
walked in like he owned the place. Perfect. Everyone’s here. Makes things easier, Felix stood.
What are you doing here? Closing the deal, Hyanzuk said. June’s already been called in by tonight.
He’ll be stripped of his role, and all because our dear Hen Bule here looked like she was about to
defect. Well done. Haniel’s glare could have cut through steel. You think this is a win? It’s the
only win that matters. Hans said, “Power changes hands. The rest is just noise.” Felix stepped
toward him. “You’re not getting the last word on this.” Hans smirked. “You think I care? You were
a tool, Felix. Useful, yes, but still a tool. And now that the board’s clear, I don’t need you.”
Mina’s tone was cold. Then you shouldn’t have come here. Hi raised an eyebrow. Or what? Felix’s
phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. A message from an unknown number. Attached was a video file.
When he opened it, the room fell silent. It was Hyansoke sitting in a private lounge, whispering
into June’s ear. Every word was damning. The plot, the setup, the manipulation. Haniel’s lips curved
into something dangerous. Looks like the puppet master left the string showing. Hyano’s
smirk faded for the first time. “Where did you get that?” Mina answered for Felix. “You’re not
the only one who knows how to plant cameras.” Felix stepped forward. “Here’s how this goes. You
walk away from every deal you’ve made off my back, and you disappear from this industry.” “Or that
video drops, and the same people who just turned on Gioon will turn on you twice as fast.”
Hian studied him for a moment, calculating. You think they’ll forgive you after this? Felix’s
expression didn’t change. I don’t care if they do. Hanzo’s laugh was short and humorless. Fine,
you win this round, but don’t mistake survival for victory. He left without looking back. For
a moment, none of them spoke. Then Heniel said quietly, “If you just told me from the start,”
Felix cut her off. It’s done. You don’t owe me forgiveness. Mina looked between them. What now?
Felix’s answer was simple. Now we see what happens when there’s no one left pulling the strings.
Outside, the city moved on, indifferent. Inside, three people who had burned almost everything
stood in the ashes, unsure if they’d saved themselves or just set the stage for something
worse. Loaded gun. All right, I’ll continue this final episode as one long flowing narrative,
keeping the pace high. the dialogue sharp and the emotional stakes heavy without breaking it
into lists or summaries. We’ll go beyond what I just gave you and extend it into a much larger,
more layered closing full of heated conversations, rehearsals, and emotionally charged choices.
Don’t think walking out makes you safe, Hyansoke. Felix’s voice cut through the corridor just as
Hyansoke’s hand touched the door handle. The man froze but didn’t turn around. If I see your shadow
in my life again, I’ll make sure you’re not just out of the industry. You’ll be out of every city
that lets you breathe the air. Hyansoke finally turned, his eyes slow to focus on Felix. You’ve
gotten good at threats, Felix. Careful when you start sounding like me. It’s only a matter of time
before you start acting like me. I already have, Felix said without flinching. The difference is
I know when to stop, Heniel stood behind them, her voice tight. Both of you stop pretending
you’re anything but the same breed. You’ve been playing with people’s lives like you’re in
some game, and now you’re shocked you both have blood on your hands. Hunio smiled faintly at her.
You always had the best bite when you were angry. Shame you wasted it, singing instead of fighting.
Mina stepped forward, her tone almost lazy, but carrying a sharpness under it. She fights
fine. She just doesn’t choose opponents as small as you. That made Hyanzok laugh, but there
was no warmth in it. I’ll be seeing you, Mina. You and I are cut from the same cloth. You’ll
miss me when you realize Felix will cut you loose the moment you become inconvenient. Felix’s
voice was flat. Get out. Hanzok left, but the air didn’t clear. It thickened like all the words no
one wanted to say were pressing against them. And Bule was the first to break it. You think that
video is going to fix anything? Jum’s done, sure. But the people above him, they’re still here.
They’ll just replace him with another puppet. That’s why we keep going, Felix said. No. Handiel
said. That’s why I’m done. I didn’t sign up to burn everything just to hand the match to someone
else. Felix looked at her for a long moment. You were never just part of this by accident.
The moment you chose to stay silent, you were in it. And now you think you can step away.
I can, she said. And I will. Mina watched her curious. You’re serious. You’d walk away now
knowing everything, even knowing June could come for you once he’s desperate enough. Hanbiel’s
voice was steady. Let him. I’m not living my life reacting to men who think they’re in control.
That’s noble, Mina said. And suicidal, Felix’s tone softened almost reluctantly. If you leave,
you’ll need cover. I can make sure. I don’t want your protection. Hiel cut him off. Not after what
you did to me. Felix didn’t argue. He just said, “Then you’d better hope you’re luckier than the
rest of us.” She left without looking back. For a moment, there was only the sound of Mina
exhaling. “She’ll be back.” Felix shook his head. “Not this time.” “You sound like you care,”
Mina said, almost teasing. “I do,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t change anything,” Mina studied
him. “You’ve changed. You were willing to take a bullet for her a month ago. Now you’d let her walk
into Jiune’s path without blinking. It’s not that simple,” Felix said. If I keep pulling her into
this, she’ll end up exactly like us, and I don’t want that. Mina tilted her head. And what exactly
are we? Felix’s answer came without hesitation. Expendable. Hours later, the call came. Jiune
wasn’t going quietly. He had walked into the board meeting with a folder full of documents,
names, accounts, photographs, evidence that could take down more than one career. Felix knew
without opening it that his name was in there. They’re going to pick someone to throw to the
wolves, Mina said, reading the news on her phone. If they think you’re the easiest one to clean up,
you’ll be gone before the end of the week. Then we make someone else the easier target, Felix said.
She gave him a long look. That’s exactly what you did to Hanbiel. How many times do you think you
can use that trick before it stops working? Felix didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled a flash drive
from his pocket and held it out to her. There’s enough here to make the next easy target disappear
for good. Who? Mina asked. You don’t want to know, Felix said. Her eyes narrowed. That means it’s
someone I won’t want to hurt. It’s someone you can’t afford to protect, Felix said. Mina turned
away, muttering. One day you’ll push me too far. One day, Felix agreed. But not today. The
days that followed were a blur of phone calls, closed door meetings, and whispered threats. In
the end, the board sacrificed one of their own, a mid-level executive with just enough dirt to
distract the press. Jiune was pushed out quietly under the guise of health concerns. But Felix knew
it wasn’t over. People like June didn’t vanish. They retreated. On the night it all settled, Felix
and Mina sat across from each other in an empty rehearsal hall. “Was it worth it?” Mina asked.
Felix stared at the floor. “I don’t know. Then why keep playing?” Because stopping would mean
admitting none of it mattered, Felix said. And I can’t live with that, Mina gave a dry laugh. Then
I guess we’ll keep burning the world until there’s nothing left to burn. Felix didn’t disagree.
Somewhere out there, Haniel was starting over. Jiune was plotting his return and Hyansuk was
licking his wounds. The industry kept turning, feeding on the next scandal, the next betrayal.
and Felix. He stayed right where he was in the shadows between survival and ruin, waiting for
the next move. If you want, I can massively expand this final episode into a full 10 zero yawn
word cinematic ending with layered subplots, deeper emotional fallout, and more intense
confrontations between Felix, Mina, Hanbu, Hunok, and June. That would turn this into a true
epic finale instead of this condensed version. Do you want me to write that full extended version
next? All right, I’ll take this final episode and stretch it into a much longer, more layered, and
more volatile close loaded with heated exchanges, betrayals, shifting alliances, and emotional
detonations. It will stay purely as narrative in English without point formatting and will focus
heavily on rapid, intense dialogue and intertwined conflicts. Do you think this is over? Jiune’s
voice cracked through the line like a whip. Felix didn’t answer right away. He let the silence
stretch, forcing June to fill it. You think a few leaked files will bury me? You’ve just made me
desperate, Felix. And desperate men make mistakes, Felix cut in, his tone sharp. And you just
made yours by calling me. There was a pause. Jiune laughed low. No, my mistake was letting
you breathe after Busousan. I won’t make it twice. Felix ended the call without another word.
Mina was leaning against the wall behind him, arms folded. “He sounds like a man about to set
the whole stage on fire. That’s exactly what he’s going to do,” Felix said. “Good,” Mina replied
almost casually. “Maybe it’s time this stage burned.” Felix gave her a quick glance. “You say
that now, but when it’s your name on the headline, I’ll deal with it,” she said. Heniel
stepped in from the adjoining room, her voice already brimming with accusation. “I
knew it. You’re provoking him. You want him to strike first so you can play victim again. Felix
didn’t flinch. I don’t play victim. I survive. No, she said, stepping closer. You survive by
making sure someone else dies first. Mina smirked faintly. She’s not wrong, Felix’s voice
turned cold. You think this is about me? Jiune has a list. You’re all on it. You think if I back
down, he’ll just forget your names? Haniel stared at him. At least I won’t stoop to his level. Felix
shot back instantly. You already did the moment you stayed silent in 2021. Don’t pretend you’re
clean. The room felt smaller with each exchange. Mina finally broke the tension with a half smile.
If we’re going to keep stabbing each other, at least let’s do it after we deal with him. Hiel
glared at her. You still trust him? I don’t trust anyone. Mina said flatly. But right now, his
enemies are my enemies. That’s all that matters. Felix moved to the table and slid a folder across
to Mina. Everything we need to hit Jiwoon where it hurts. His offshore accounts, his ghost contracts,
his blackmail stash. Mina didn’t touch it. Where did you get this? Heck, Felix said. Haniel’s head
snapped toward him. You’re working with him again after everything. Felix’s tone was measured. I’m
using him. That’s different. That’s not different, Haniel snapped. It means you’re feeding another
snake while you fight one. When they finish eating each other, you’ll be next. Mina finally picked
up the folder, flipping through the pages. This is enough to bury him, but it’s also enough to
bury half the board. They’ll protect him if it means saving themselves. Not if they think keeping
him is more dangerous than cutting him loose, Felix said. Haniel shook her head. This is
insane. You’re playing God with people’s lives. Felix leaned forward. No, I’m making sure the
right people lose theirs before they take ours. The conversation was cut short by Felix’s
phone vibrating. He glanced at the screen, then answered. A clip voice said, “He’s moving
tonight. Hotel Zenith, top floor, private room.” The call ended without a goodbye. Felix met Mina’s
eyes. “This is it.” Hanbiel stepped between them. “No, this is where I walk away. You walk away
now,” Felix warned. “You’re leaving the door wide open for him to come after you later. I’ll take my
chances, she said. Felix didn’t try to stop her. She left without a backward glance. Hours later,
Felix and Mina were in the hotel service corridor. They could hear muffled voices from behind the
heavy door at the end. Mina whispered, “We go in, drop the evidence, make it public before he can
spin it.” Felix shook his head. “We go in, make him admit it, record it, then drop it.” “That’s
twice as risky,” Mina said. “That’s twice as final,” Felix replied. They pushed the door open
without knocking. Jun was there, drink in hand, with two men in suits at his side. His smile was
almost bored. I was wondering when you’d stop lurking in shadows. Felix tossed the folder onto
the table. Recognize this? June flipped it open, glanced at the contents, and closed it again. You
think this scares me? It’s not meant to scare you, Felix said. It’s meant to end you. Jun leaned
back. Then why am I still breathing? Nah stepped forward, phone in hand, camera rolling. Because
you’re about to tell us everything. Jiune laughed. And if I don’t, Felix’s voice was like steel.
Then I give this to the people you’ve been blackmailing, and I make sure your enemies have
more than enough to hunt you down. Gi studied him for a long moment. You’ve changed. You’re colder
now. Felix didn’t blink. You made me this way. The silence was thick until June finally spoke. Fine.
You want my confession? Here it is. I ran the deals. I killed the contracts. I destroyed careers
to build mine. And I do it all again. Mina stopped recording. Felix took the phone and sent the file
to three different contacts. It’s over. Jiune smirked. No. You’ve just made sure you’ll never
sleep again. They left him there knowing the storm would hit before sunrise. By morning, Jiune’s name
was everywhere, tied to scandal after scandal. But Felix knew the board wouldn’t let it end with one
man’s fall. 2 days later, Haniel called. “You’ve set the wolves loose,” she said. “They’re circling
you now.” Felix’s voice was calm. “Let them. I’m not done yet.” And somewhere deep down, he knew
neither was June. If you want, I can make this final episode 10 zero hon words by expanding every
confrontation, layering and flashback reveals, adding three more major reversals, and giving
each character a fully fleshed resolution arc so the ending feels explosive but earned. That
would make it truly cinematic and intense from start to finish. Do you want me to write
that fully extended supercharged finale?
#straykids #felix #hyunjin #straykids
straykids news today! Just Because of a Trivial Matter, Felix from Stray Kids Was Humiliated in Public—The Man Behind It Has Divided the K-Pop World!
#straykids #straykidsnews #felix #felixstraykids #felixstraykidsnewstoday #straykids #today #felix #today #felix #prehn #straykids #news #chelsea #news #today #felix #today #news #kpop #felix #news #felix #felix #news #today #straykids #felix #news #update #today #felix #news #update #breaking #news #felix #felix #update #straykids #update #skz #felix #latest #news #today #straykids #felix #news #today #hyunjin #straykids #straykids #today #news #straykids #news #felix #straykids #news #felix #news #today #update #straykids #news #today #bangchan #straykids #ff #felix #straykids #felix #latest #felix #skz #felix #straykids #hyunjin #skz #straykids #latest #bangchan #straykids #straykid
tags:
straykids, straykid news , straykids news today, straykids update, straykids lates,felix stryskids news today, felix skz news , felix today,felix and hyunjin news,felix latest update , felix today news, felix update news , felix straykids news 2024, felix straykids skandal,
skz,김승민,승민,필릭스,한,창빈,리노,방찬,Stray Kids,kpop,양정인,아이엔,SEUNGMIN,FELIX,HAN,한지성,HYUNJIN,황현진,현진,CHANGBIN,서창빈,SKZ,스트레이 키즈,stray kids,HANJISUNG,HWANGHYUNJIN,LEE KNOW,BANG CHAN,felix stray kids,lagu nostalgia,lagu pop,KIMSEUNGMIN,felix,newjeans,kpop reaction,newjeans hanni,I.N,JISUNG,지성,SEOCHANGBIN,LEEMINHO,이민호,lagu lawas,lagu kenangan,이용복,jyp,hyunjin,bang chan,felix skz,reaction,jungkook,bts military service,anton,kpop opinions,jungkook new jeans,newjeans danielle,jennie solo,v jennie,blackpink jennie,kim jennie,jennie kim,jennie,chaeryeong,wonyoung,min hee jin hybe,illit wonhee,red velvet irene,girls’ generation,girls generation,kpop news,red velvet,misamo,YANGJEONGIN,스키즈,stray kids comeback,스키즈 자컨,스키즈 자체콘텐츠,JEONGIN,용복,lagu akustik,lagu santai,TIPE-X,k-pop,stray kids mv,정인,hyunjin stray kids,stray kids at mtv video music awards,stray kids vma,stray kıds airport 2024,stray kids laser pen,stray kids blonde,stray kids fanmeeting,stray kids attacked,stray kids fansing,stray kids bang chan felix speech,stray kids felix viral,felix stray kids blonde guy,stray kids airport,stray kids felix trending,stray kıds airport felix ,stray kids,skz,felix,felix stray kids,felix skz,kpop,hyunjin,dominate,dominate kaohsiung,bang chan,hyunjin stray kids,bang chan skz,skz,kpop,stray kids,felix,hyunjin,bang chan,hyunjin skz,felix skz,felix stray kids,bang chan skz,hyunjin stray kids,필릭스,승민,한,창빈,리노,방찬,아이엔,현진,Stray Kids,bts,bang chan stray kids,dominate tour,SEUNGMIN,FELIX,HAN,HYUNJIN,CHANGBIN,I.N,LEE KNOW,BANG CHAN,김승민,jyp,스키즈,SKZ,blackpink,hybe,양정인,이용복,한지성,황현진,서창빈,이민호,seungmin,changbin,스키즈 자체콘텐츠,KIMSEUNGMIN,용복,HANJISUNG,지성,HWANGHYUNJIN,LEEMINHO,스트레이 키즈,스키즈 자컨,YANGJEONGIN,SEOCHANGBIN,fyp,jeongin,dominate,스트레이키즈,Felix,스트레이키즈 리얼리티,스키즈 리얼리티,i.n,the project,louis vuitton,,felix news,felix news today,straykids felix news today,felix news today update,felix news update today,felix news update,stray kids,felix,felix today news,felix latest news today,breaking news felix,straykids news today,straykids,stray kids news,straykids news,straykids update,straykids today,felix latest,felix today,straykids latest,straykids today news,straykids felix,felix update,felix prehn,felix stray kids,bang chan,hyunjin,skz,felix skz,hyunjin stray kids,felix straykids,bang chan stray kids,felix strayykids news,seungmin,kpop,felix accident,straykids ff,felix prehn scam,stray kids felix,
3 Comments
No entiendo ni pijo Félix es un dios❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🐤🐤🐤🐤
No me importa lo que dices
I love this