Chapter Text
The semester for Minseok’s PHD program has officially started. As a dedicated member of the most popular group MLJK, he still attends to all the group’s activities including practices and recordings.
However, he has an exclusive allocated time for his classes, assignments and paperworks.
While studying inside his room, his mind slowly shifted to his phone.
Message from Manager Myeon:
Minseok-ssi, boss wants you to join this new variety show. Knowing you are the most popular member, this can help your current album’s promotions. What do you say?
Minseok lets out a sigh. He still has bunch of paperworks to do. With this new offer he can’t refuse, he needs to manage his time wisely.
Message to Manager Myeon:
As if I have a choice Myeon? You may send me the contract so I can review. Thank you for asking me though.
Message from Manager Myeon:
I know your schedule is jam packed. But the boss needs you to do this. I know you are fine to NOT do solo activities but I guess you need this too.
Message to Manager Myeon:
Thanks, Myeonnie. I really appreciate your concern.
Junmyeon, the boys’ manager has been a close friend. As they are almost of the same age, Minseok doesn’t treat him as a co-worker but like his brother.
Luckily, the show adjusted to his schedule. He can appear for only 40minutes for the 5 episodes and can finally continue with his personal errands afterwards. He still doesn’t have any idea who the other guests are, but he’ll worry about that later.
Back in the dorm, the other 3 members are already worried about Minseok’s hectic schedule.
Minseok slowly opened the door to their dorm and placed his coat on the stand. He was greeted by the 3 men who are currently eating dinner.
“Have you eaten? Kyungsoo cooked steak. Tastes good. Come, eat” Luhan directed him to the seat next to his.
“Mmmm. Smells good too. You’re so good at this, Soo.” Minseok smiled to the other.
“We spared you some because we know you will love it. As expected of Chef Smol Soo” Jongdae grinned.
“The smol was unnecessary Dae thank you very much” Kyungsoo shook his head.
“I miss this. Us four together in this dining table. Laughing and not caring about things” Luhan’s eyes expressed sadness.
“Ah waee Lu you are making me emotional again” Jongdae complained.
Minseok cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry guys. It was not my intention to be this busy, but you know I want this degree so much, right?”
“I fully support you Min. For the past 7, 8 years we’ve been together, I understand where you are coming from. However, don’t stress yourself too much. Just take it one step at a time, okay?” Kyungsoo patted his head.
“We support you too Minnie but—“
“But what?”
“But please don’t forget to spend time with your family, with us. Even for just a few hours”. Luhan exclaimed.
“That statement is for both of us. We share the same sentiments, okay?” Jongdae added.
“I will kids. I am always here. I’m still the Minseok you can always lean on.” Minseok hugged his three members.
________
The following day, Minseok’s eyes narrowed as he was reading something on his macbook.
“Are you okay Minnie? You seemed so shook” Jongdae asked.
“Don’t tell me it’s for an assignment again? Come on now, it’s a Saturday and we don’t have a schedule”. Luhan grimaced.
The scene was put into halt when Junmyeon entered the room.
Minseok lets out a shaky breath.
“Myeon, why didn’t you tell me he is going to be participating too? I can’t”
“You need to. This is work Minseok. You have to be professional.”
“Besides,” Junmyeon continued.
“You’d only appear for 40minutes so I believe you can stand that”
Jongdae, who was very curious spoke.
“Who is this person you are talking about I’m confused?”
Junmyeon just offered a soft smile to the other while Kyungsoo and Luhan froze on their seats.
When they were eating lunch, they broke the news to Jongdae who kept on whining and begging for them to spill the beans.
“THE BYUN BAEKHYUN????????. IS HE OFFICIALLY BACK IN KOREA????? I thought those were just rumors OH MY GOD” Jongdae almost fell from his seat.
“Myeonnie, why? And why is he suddenly promoting in Korea?” Kyungsoo flashed a serious yet curious look.
“Can we just not let Minseok join that show? Myeonnie please”. Luhan pleaded.
Minseok, on the other hand, was just staring blankly at his empty plate.
“We need Minseok to join this show. We need him to put an end to all the accusations he got when the news broke. He’ll be associated with Baekhyun no matter what, so we need to stop whatever the fuss the media is creating. Through this, Minseok can fully show that he is not affected at all”. Junmyeon calmly explained.
“Is he really not affected?” Kyungsoo pointed his lips towards an almost lifeless Minseok.
@The daily buzzz:
Someone big is coming back. Korea, are you ready?
Quote Retweeted by @LuhansSeoks:
No. I’m not buying this.
@Spicynoobble:
So it’s true. Byun Baekhyun is back...
@Soosmol:
Why is he back though? He shouldve stayed in the west. That’s where he belongs, westerday and not here. Smh....
@Jongdaelovingg:
@Soosmol ew. The pun is so cringy lmaooo
@Byunistbabe04:
MLJK’s fans are shaking. The true king of entertainment is back bitches stay pressed
@Jongdaelovingg:
@Byunistbabe04 no one asked. MLJK are kings though like Baekhyun who???? Tf
____________
Minseok can’t think straight. He isn’t ready for this. He is not ready seeing Baekhyun again. After all that happened, he still has not totally moved on. He wants to talk to the boss but at the same time he can’t because he knows they have a point. This is good media play.
He rolled over back and forth on his bed for hours. Finally, after several attempts, he dozed off to sleep.