"Thanks, Marcus," Jay sighed, the stress in his voice evident.

"No worries," Marcus said. "You want me to drop you off at your dorm?"

Jay nodded. "Thanks again."

"Don't mention it."

June stared out of the window, feeling weirdly calm. His career had just burst into flames in a matter of hours, but he didn't feel too bad about it.

Somehow, he felt worse for the people he loved. It wasn't because he was hurting-but because they were. He could already imagine the turmoil his members and his fans were going through.

June could handle the public scrutiny, but the thought that the people he cherished were also going to get scrutinized made his heart ache.

"Oh crap," Marcus said after a while.

June and Jay looked up and saw that the situation was even worse in their dorm.

There were reporters and protestors surrounding it, with banners that said 'Oust June.'

Jay clicked his tongue. "Shit. We can't go out there. You'd be egged."

June pursed his lips, thinking of a place to stay at. He could stay with Minjun, but he was sure he was going to get kicked out as soon as he arrived. Lena might even light him on fire.

"We can go to Master Haruto's place," Marcus said. "He has an extra room."

Jay turned to him. "Will that be okay?"

Marcus nodded. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind. In fact, he might like it very much."

Jay then turned to June. "Would that be alright with you?"

June nodded, so Marcus stepped on the gas and sped away. Fortunately, Haruto's place wasn't that far from his office. It was only a couple of blocks away-a condominium that was too high for its own good.

June placed on a mask and rode the elevator with the two of them.

As they arrived at the penthouse, they were greeted by Haruto, who appeared like he was even more stressed than Jay.

"June," Haruto exclaimed. "Goodness," he said, inspecting his body. "I'm so glad you're fine."

"My career is not, though," June joked, causing the others to turn silent.

"How can you even say things like that at this moment?" Jay exclaimed, slapping June's shoulder.

June pursed his lips and scratched the back of his neck.

"Too soon?" he asked.

Jay shook his head. "I have a headache," he muttered.

"I'll get you some medicine," Marcus said.

Jay nodded and sat on the couch. June and Haruto followed. The silence between them was deafening—with none of them finding the right words to say.

Jay grabbed his phone from his pocket and saw too many notifications. Most of it was from the members of EVE.

Jay sighed and opened the messages.

Casper the Ghost: June is being removed from EVE?

Jisung the Chick: Jay, please explain this! Why did Azure release a statement that June has been removed from the group?

Jaeyong the Crybaby: I can't do anymore. Please come back with June, Jay.

Akira: He doesn't have a sexual bone in his body! How can they freaking do this to him?

Jay's eyebrows furrowed, and he quickly went to the group chat for managers.

There, he saw a notice about June's involuntary departure from EVE.

He stood from his seat, causing the other two to turn to him with curiosity.

"What?" Haruto asked.

Jay turned to June, who had his pursed lips.

"Lei removed you from EVE," he revealed.

Haruto turned to June with wide eyes. June, on the other hand, kept his lips pursed.

Haruto felt bad for him. He knew how June worked so hard for this dream. He had achieved the success that he rightfully deserved; however, why did it feel like the world was against him? How can they take away his dream for the second time?

June sighed and leaned against his seat. "I see," he muttered.

Jay and Haruto glanced at each other, trying to gauge June's reaction.

"A are you alright?" Haruto asked after a while.

"Peachy," June answered.

Just then, Marcus came back, giving Jay some painkillers. However, the latter didn't take them anymore. It wasn't his head that ached-it was his heart. Seeing the person who had worked

so hard to get to where he was being mistreated and misrepresented in the media made his heart hurt.

If there was one person Jay could trust in the whole world, then it would be June.

"I can talk to Lei about this," Jay said, trying to salvage the situation. "We can also post something on your social media."

June stood and shook his head. "That would make things worse. Let's wait for now."

"For how long?" Jay asked.

June didn't respond, making Jay frustrated. "You can't stop me," he said. "I will talk to Lei about this."

June massaged his temples. "Do what you want. For now, I really want to rest."

Haruto pursed his lips. "If it makes you feel better, I found him," he said, capturing June's

attention.

"Who?" June asked.

"The head," Haruto said. "We can go to him tomorrow and ask for his help. You still have the briefcase, right? We can use that as leverage. I'm sure he'll side with us right away."

"You found him?" Jay exclaimed, looking at Haruto with wide eyes.

Haruto nodded. "It was a difficult search, but yes, I found him. Kim Kwan," he revealed. "We also have his address. Again, we can ask for his help to settle everything."

Jay sighed and raked his fingers through his hair.

"Somehow, there's so much to do. I don't even know where to start. However, don't worry, June. I'll get to the bottom of this. We will prove your innocence. I will also talk with the board

members to reverse their decision-"

"Jay," June said, his voice louder than usual.

That took Jay by surprise.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "Don't worry about me."

"But June-"

"Please take care of the boys," June said. "I know what I'm doing."

"But you can't do it alone!" Jay exasperated.

"I know," June sighed. "That's why I'm asking for your help-take care of the boys. I'll take

care of myself."

Haruto and Marcus glanced at each other, not knowing how to intervene.

"For now, I need to sleep," June sighed.

"So, please, let me rest."

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