Chapter 90: Conflict
In the evening at six, the '5 Emperor's' official website uploaded a video. This was an unexpected occurring. The website was mainly used for promoting their activities and not to communicate with fans. They had personal social media accounts for doing that.
The fans who usually lurked in the website quickly clicked on the video and were shocked silly.
The video was about twenty minutes long. It opened showing faces of all the members. Their faces didn't betray their emotions. Ray was sitting in the middle with Kai and Mui on his left and Timo and Vic on his right.
The members greeted their fans smiling and Kai- being the leader- made the introductory remarks.
Kai: (hesitating) Today... it's not about us as a group but this video is for our fans... a message from our brother Ray. He has something important to tell you all-
Kai smoothly threw the ball in Ray's court. The members all sat quietly letting Ray speak.
Ray: (waving) hello everyone, as our leader Kai said I have an important piece of news to share with all of you. I have some important personal business to attend to... s-so-
He had a hard time continuing. He finally understood how difficult it was to say goodbyes to the loved ones. The fans were an integral part of his life and it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to say the words which were stuck in his throat.
Ray: (swallowing hard) So I'll have to leave for a while. (Nodding solemnly) I am going to take a break from music. I hope you all will continue to support these guys in my absence and not forget me.
Timo: (swatting Ray's head) why do you make it sound like you aren't coming back! You'll leave them all heartbroken like this.
Ray: (chuckling) ok big bro. Everyone I will try to be back as soon as possible.
But he too didn't know if he would be able to keep up with that promise.
The rest of the video after that was the other members wishing good luck to Ray. And hoping he would return soon. It ended on a slightly teary note leaving everyone- who watched it- with a numbness they couldn't comprehend.
Soon after the video came out, Wang entertainment released the official press statement about the same information. They gave a short description of Ray taking a break from the entertainment industry and some vague information about the future of the group.
The unexpected incident exploded into a conflict of views between the fans and the anti-fans. The video was shared multiple times and many expressed their concerns over the sudden change.
'What is happening? Why is Ray leaving? Is he alright? I just woke up to this and feel like I've missed many things. Somebody fill me in.'
'The person above, calm down. They are not disbanding. Ray has some personal matters to attend to so he's taking a break, that's all.'
'I hope what you are saying is right. Something is definitely fishy. If he was only taking a break then there was no need to say it personally. There's something wrong with this whole scenario.'
'I agree with what you're saying. But looking back at all the unnecessary shit the group went through it seems logical. It's a good thing that they care enough about us to leave a message. If not, the antis would have turned it into some kind of unholy scandal.'
'Why is he taking a break? They never did this sort of thing. Even when one of them was busy promoting their solo act the others still were working. They usually went on break together.'
'He is taking a break because he has some personal business. Honestly, do y'all just drool over their faces and forget to listen to what they're saying!! How annoying!'
'Wow! How rude! I was only curious about 'personal reason'. You didn't have to make it sound like that.'
'Personal is personal. We as fans should know our boundaries and respect our idols. If they don't want to say something then we should respect that rather than acting on our impulses like animals. We don't own them!'
'Both commentors above, it's not the time for us fans to fight amongst ourselves. The media and the antis have already started their work. We need to support our boys.'
'What are those antis up to this time? Let me get my old set of shoes to throw at their stupid faces.'
'They're busy spreading some rumours on Ray's social media account.'
Thus, many fans rushed from the group's official website to Ray's social media page. They were both stunned and amused by the show the haters were all putting.
'Hahaha! Ray quit! This is a piece of great news indeed.'
'Ray hasn't quit! He's just taking a break! Get your facts straight before spouting some random nonsense!'
'What do you puny fan know? I have insider information that Ray quit and he's busy gathering the contract termination fee.'
'Why would he quit if he was going to suffer any kind of loss? Do you think our Ray is an idiot like you?'
'Get your facts straight and don't spread baseless rumours, you piece of spineless shit!'
'I have proof that Ray quit and he's running off to whichever drainage he came from!'
'Why is everyone not reporting this account already? This person is only a piece of garbage and nothing more!'
Thus, the hater was shut up by multiple reports against it and the system blocked him. But it wasn't the end. The newer ones emerged.
'I heard that Ray is getting married during this break.'
'*Gasp* No!'
'He is going to marry that newbie model Hana. They're going to elope. There are photos which show them secretly meeting each other.'
The fans felt like applauding their- haters- imagination powers. Some fans were already defending Ray but it still wasn't enough to put the haters in their places.
To control the situation, the president of Wang entertainment released a statement shunning all the rumours and asked all the fans to quit worrying and consider this 'break' to be a vacation of sorts that Ray was taking.
He also clarified the video stating: "The members were all worried about their fans. Ray didn't want to leave them with a bland press release and instead wanted to personally tell all the people- who cared for them- about his vacation. The people who're trying to spin this into some baseless rumours are shameless to the boot and we're going to sue them for malicious intent and slandering."
That did the job and most of the fans sighed in relief. The president himself had spoken up and that meant they had nothing to worry about.
***
Ye-Jin sat in her office occasionally chuckling looking through the comments and the conflict on Ray's account.
Matt was concerned about her mental health. She had been acting out of character from the past three days and it was scaring him to no end. But he had no way to confront her and wait for this phase to pass.
Matt: Boss, you have an appointment-
Ye-Jin looked up at her secretary and realised something important. She had been slacking off at work and it wasn't good for any of them. She sighed before closing her laptop lid.
Ye-Jin: Matt, push back everything on my schedule for two days.
Matt: (stunned) b-boss-
Ye-Jin: that's all, right?
Matt: (gathering his thoughts) there are some which we can't push back boss like the discussions regarding the merger and-
Ye-Jin: It's elementary Matt. Send them some gifts as a form of apology and tell them that I am a little busy with some personal matters. Do you really need me to teach you all of this?
Matt hung his head down. His real concern wasn't the schedule but it was Senior Park. The old man was still very attached to this company and grilled him every night on phone regarding important matters. He was scared of him.
Ye-Jin: what is the problem? You seem to be stressed about something.
Matt: It's Senior Park-
He mumbled it under his breath but she caught his words. She rubbed her temples. She knew that her dad was still not used to being retired but she didn't know that he was threatening her secretary.
Ye-Jin: I'll try to get him off your back Matt. If he asks you something again then refuse him saying I forbade you to. Just do as I say now.
Matt thanked her happily and ran off to make the changes she had asked for. Her words meant that his days of terror were coming to an end.
Ye-Jin would give her father a chance and if he still continued to act stubborn then there was no other way than getting her mother involved in it. Smiling to herself she decided to call it a day.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 Initially, the plan was to send Ray away for a very long time but then I changed my mind.
It's really quite unnerving how irrational we- as fans- behave sometimes. We tend to forget that we liked them for their talent and beauty and forget our boundaries.
Also, the haters just because of envy they tend to be vicious and put innocent lives in peril.
It is hard to please everyone but I applaud those celebrities who have a strong mentality to overcome all the negativity and manage to shine.
Chapter 91: Like poles
Two days passed in a blur.
Ray was all set to leave for his hometown as soon as the clock struck twelve. It was his father's idea to make the couples parting a passionate one. Ray thought it to be a load of crap. According to him, his father had planned this ahead of time.
Just like how Cinderella had to leave the ball- and the prince- before midnight, Ray too had to face the same plight. The old man Liu was being sinister plotting against him in order to exact revenge for all his sufferings these past few years. It was hilarious and irritating at the same time.
When Ye-Jin heard this reasoning she laughed at him and agreed with him. It wasn't too surprising for them. Old man Liu was capable of such childish pranks. Although Ray was free to leave whenever he wished for, he didn't want to keep his father from having fun. He just played along with whatever he asked of him.
Ye-Jin had spent her two days with Ray. Taking care of his necessities and not leaving his side. Ray was happy to have her around him. An idiotic grin had been constantly plastered to his face the whole time. The members had grown nauseous of them and had stayed away.
Two hours before midnight Kai, Timo, Mui and Vic paid a surprise visit to Ray's 'secret' house. It was 'secret' because Ray hadn't told a soul about it. They were pitching ideas to find his whereabouts to send him off and the help came in an unexpected way.
Liu Bo was ecstatic. Her efforts had finally paid off. Her elder brother was coming back home. She wanted to rub this in Ye-Jin's face but had been busy running errands for her father. She didn't know that the old man was intentionally keeping her busy. He knew his daughter the best and she would've straight gone to find trouble with Ye-Jin. And trouble between the sisters-in-law was not a piece of good news for any family.
Liu Bo wasn't stupid. She had an intuition about her father's plans. So when she got to know about the guys planning to find Ray, she lent them a hand.
Liu Bo got along with everyone with the sole exception of Ye-Jin. Thus, the guys were all grateful for her and gladly followed her lead to the 'secret' house.
Ray was stunned to see the guys standing in front of him. He was busy preparing for his departure and had forgotten about them. Seeing him stand in the doorway like a sculpture the guys all frowned displeased. They expected him to at least show a little happiness after seeing them.
Ray: h-how did y-you all find me?
Kai: aren't you happy that we came?
Ray: I...
He wanted to chase them away. How could they be dense and disrupt his last few moments with his girlfriend? His very first woman was waiting for him to finish their dinner.
The majority of the members was a bunch of singles after all. It was no brainer that they didn't understand the intricacies of people in love. It was a real headache and for Kai, at the moment all he could think of was his friend. Ray's chances of return were slim, he wasn't one to be blamed for being insensitive either.
While the guys all stood unmoving and glaring back and forth obviously angered, Liu Bo, who was lingering in the back stepped into the front.
Bo: Why aren't you inviting them in? They're your good friends brother. They want to send you off.
Ray finally figured out the whole thing. His lips turned up in a sinister smile.
Ray: Come on in guys. I am glad you all could visit.
The guys didn't understand Ray's sudden change in demeanour. They brushed it off- calling it 'stress'- and walked in happily. Bo skipped in after them feeling jubilant at her work. Finally, she could rub her victory in Ye-Jin's face.
Ray chuckled darkly and followed them in. His mind was already filled with plans to teach Bo a lesson.
Ye-Jin wasn't surprised when she saw the guys walk in. She had heard 'noises' and had made herself presentable. After all, they had been a little busy when the knock had rudely disturbed their adventures.
Bo: (smiling) you're here Ye-Jin?
Ye-Jin: Where else would I be, Bo? This is after all my boyfriend's house.
Bo stiffened. He anger shot up and she wanted to slap that stupid smirk off Ye-Jin's face.
The guys were oblivious to the sparks flying between the ladies. They casually strode in and sat down around the coffee table.
Kai: long time no see Ye-Jin?
Ye-Jin: (waving at them) Hi guys, how have you all been?
Vic: We are good. Hope we didn't disturb something important?
Vic sounded apologetic looking at the lit candles and untouched food.
Ye-Jin's cheeks flushed a little but she shook her head.
Ray: (meaningfully) that was why I wasn't happy to see you guys.
Mui: Ouch! you are so hateful!
Ray: hmph! I'll see how you will behave in future.
Ray snorted and stood beside Ye-Jin putting an arm casually around her shoulder. If not for these spare-tires they could have been doing some interesting things by now.
Timo: (clueless) the food has turned cold already so you weren't eating it. What were you doing?
Ye-Jin flushed red at the question. She buried her head in Ray's shoulder in embarrassment. Li Bo turned red in fury, she was too close to blow her top. The other guys turned their eyes to the ground mortified. How can Timo ask the obvious? What would a young couple be doing-
Ray: We were arm-wrestling and I was finally going to win!
The words halted everybody's shameless thoughts. Their jaws all dropped to the floor.
Bo: w-what?
They all had the same thought.
Timo: (Amused) So, you were losing to Ye-Jin in arm-wrestling?
Ray: (Sighing) my woman is very strong. She didn't let me win once. Sadly, you ruined my victory!
Ye-Jin: (in a muffled voice) stop it already!
It was embarrassing enough without him needing to elaborate it.
They had been arm-wrestling from past two days and Ray couldn't take it that he lost to his girlfriend. It had hurt his male ego and he wanted to conquer her. He had studied the theory behind arm-wrestling diligently the whole day and had almost won but the knocking had distracted him and sadly he lost- again.
The guys were in disbelief but then they started to laugh. Bo was ready to pull her hairs out- merely out of frustration. Why can't these two behave like normal people and let others live in peace?
***
It was nearing midnight and the members bid a tearful goodbye to Ray before taking their leave.
It was an emotional moment and Ye-Jin was also reduced to tears. She had followed these guys since they debuted and watching them part ways- even for a short while- was akin to going through a heartbreak. As a fan, it was the worst feeling in the world.
The guys all wanted to send him off properly but Ray was supposed to go join his father, alone. They nodded and unwillingly left with defeated shoulders.
Bo was a different scenario. She was brimming with joy.
Bo: I am really happy that you are coming back with us big bro!
If not for Ye-Jin, she would've already broken out into a happy dance.
Ray: (serious) Bo, I need you to do something for me.
Bo: (expectant) yes bro, what is it?
Ray: I want you to stay back and protect your sister-in-law for me? Can you do it?
Ye-Jin: (Shocked) NO!!
It wan not Liu Bo but Ye-Jin who vehemently rejected the idea. Even Bo was surprised by the sudden outburst.
Ray: (cupping Ye-Jin's face) Sweetie I am doing this for your own good!
Ye-Jin: (pleading) Ray you've heard about like poles right?
Ray: (confused) Like poles?
Ye-Jin: (desperate) Like magnets? Like poles always repel each other and we are just like that Ray. Do you want the world to end? Please don't do this!!
Ray: you don't understand love. If I leave you alone without any protection then I'll be too worried to focus on anything.
Bo was irked. How could this woman reject her brother? Was she blind and not trust his wise judgement? She initially wanted to go against him but seeing Ye-Jin acting like an airhead she changed her mind.
Bo: (supportive) Ye-Jin listen to my brother. He's right.
Ye-Jin: (softly) b-but Ray we have so many issues between us-
Bo: (grinding her teeth) I promise that we'll work on them bro. I'll take care of her and be her shadow.
Being immersed in her monologue, Bo missed the conspiratory smile the couple exchanged.
The father and son wanted a reason to let Bo stay back and not involve herself in the family's problems. She was young and had a lot to learn but they knew that her pride would stand in the way. So, they enlisted help from Ye-Jin and she gladly agreed. After all, she could not have unnecessary issues with Bo and this was a great chance to mend their relationship.
With most things settled on his end, Ray set off when the clock struck twelve.
Ye-Jin stood in the doorway for a long time looking at the dark road, her eyes filled with longing.
She was unceremoniously pulled inside the house by Liu Bo- who was ultimately nauseated by the excessive PDA. She now somewhat understood why the guys had stayed away from Kai and Ray before. It was a very painful experience.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
At first, I wanted things to be little steamy this chapter but then changed my mind.
Ray: I literally, absolutely loathe you!!
Me: (blowing a kiss) Yep, I know it darling.
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