4. 1.2 YEARS

1.2 YEARS.

One year had passed since the hospital. There was still no word or trace from him. Even at the graduation ceremony at there wasn't a single word about him. It was like no one noticed he was gone. No one cared. He wasn't your typical friendly face, nor did he interact with anyone. The first few months, he was gone. The school just assumed it was his usual antics and just ignored it. They sent him warnings to come back to school. Otherwise, he would be considered a dropout and expelled. But the messages never even reached the receiver.

He had his phone off and had changed his number. Any attempts to call him were futile. It was like he wasn't there. Se-hee tried looking for him. She went to his house but she found another person living there. When she tried asking the landlady but as soon as she mentioned his name, she let out curses upon curses. No one knew anything. She followed some leads and found out the restaurant he used to work but no one knew anything about him.

All efforts after that were useless.

She had gone to check him out from the hospital, but upon opening the door, she found some cleaners already clearing the room. She tried asking the nurses, but they told her that since the bills had already been cleared and he was in good condition, they didn't see a reason to hold him when he decided to check himself out.

And he was gone.

No letter.

No message.

Nothing.

She had at least hopped they had formed a good enough bond for him not to leave without a word.

And,

Jae-wook was too busy with his debut he hardly had any time to focus on anything else.

****

 It was a survival show called The Redraft. They had 100 total participants in the beginning and would slowly cut them off with each round. Despite Wyde labels being known internationally for its renowned groups since the 1990s, most of the groups they had recently debuted hadn't received the feedback they had wanted, so they chose a different approach. They sent Sung-hoon along with four other trainees to take part in the survival show. Despite being from a large company in order to create fairness, none of the trainees companies would be mentioned, and they would use codenames.

This created appeal to the mass. With the rise of complaints about people with higher status in society, getting leverage has caused quite a stir. So with this, it gave them some kind of comfort, and they could focus on the talent and skills of everyone without prejudice.

Raiven (jae-wook...I will be using this name moving forward) caught the public eye from the get-go. His smile, long hair with pink and blue highlights shades at the bottom along with his soft, handsome features already had fans flooding in. So much so that his name trended more than the show itself. Despite his earlier image, he was a soft hearted, kind person he just didn't know how to convey his feelings as well.

He brought on the image of someone dependable, images and videos of him helping trainees went viral as he racked in viewers from all over the world. He wasn't talentless either. Due to his strict training sessions. He had grown in vocals and dancing. If there was any feedback, he took his time and corrected it, working and training till late at night, which brought in even more admirers and fans.

Among the trainees was also a guy named Zen. He wasn't as talented in dancing, but he made up for his shortcomings by his incredible vocal capacity. He was trained in almost every instrument one could think of despite his young age of sixteen. This garnered him quite a considerable number of fans.

Zen would sit in the corner and admire Raiven. Raiven had this appeal to him that made people just gravitate towards him.

He and Raiven had spent quite a considerable amount of time together, and he had come to look up to him as a brother. Raiven was eighteen by the time the show was broadcast. Raiven had also taken a liking to Zen he reminded him of his brother and would make sure he was taken care of. He took time off to work with him on lyrics and mostly dance practice and would make sure he had eaten quite a good amount .

This closeness made fans admire them even more and give them the nickname RZ, which later became a slang to refer to people who were close.

By the time the broadcast ended and seven participants were chosen, the group had become already well known. The winners were Raiven, Zen, Mark, Grey, Ten , Ray, and Way. Raiven was named the leader despite being the third youngest in the group, and the group was called Raiser.

Including Raiven, there were two other participants from Wyde. After the broadcast, there was a hectic schedule with group promotions, and with Raiven s' popularity, he was offered multiple brand deals and would be paid to get on shows. His face was plastered in almost every billboard and even in the most unexpected of places.

He was living the dream of every celebrity.

 Within hours of the group forming its social media accounts, they had gained millions of followers on all platforms, and with Wyde labels managing them, they got even more exposure. The group would be under Wyde management for three years before their contracts expired. The label was known to take care of their artists. The group also gained some brand deals even before their debut.

Zen was chosen to endorse a company that was well known in the instrument making.

In between his group schedule and his own schedule, he hardly even had time to sleep, let alone worry about someone whom he hardly knew of except for a brief encounter.

Raiven wasn't the only rising star. There was another star slowly rising. She was from a small company her group was called Reddies. Being from a small company was a challenge, especially in an industry as rough and competitive as K-pop. However, she had made a name for herself. She had gone viral several times for her beautiful figure as well as outspoken nature and talent. Her name was Hae-rin, but she was mostly known as Rin. She had met Raiven quite a number of times, and their interactions had been filmed and sent to different platforms. Despite the trolls and criticism, her name being associated with Raiven propelled her name even further and gained her numerous fans. They were known as R² there were multiple dating rumours surrounding them, but none of them were actually confirmed.

That's why they were both offered to cover the new edition of M.E a popular magazine that featured different fashion houses and delved into insights on the entertainment industry they featured a lot of celebrities and sold multiple copies both in digital and physical form. To be featured as a cover showed a considerable amount of impact.

"we need to leave by ten." The manager said as he looked down at his watch. It was already nine thirty, and nothing that was scheduled had been finished yet.

The producer looked around at the hectic set. One of the cameras had fallen earlier that morning and needed some work, and the backup camera still hadn't arrived yet.

"I understand, but if we don't finish shooting this today, there won't be another opening you already rescheduled three times." He said almost accusingly.

Raiven suddenly stood beside them, making them a bit taken aback.

"Its fine, but there is a problem with the outfits." He informed them.

He had been in the changing room looking at the outfits for the magazine shoot, and none that were previously on the template showed up. The assistant had gone to take care of something, so he was left alone.

He was very thorough with his work. Every time he had a break or was on commute, he would be on his ipad reviewing each schedule. He didn't want to be a burden, and the staff always commended his work. He was the perfect idol.

The manager, Kim, and the producer rushed into the dressing room. The rack was full of women's clothing. The producer quickly got out of the dressing room and called someone. Seconds later, you could hear his loud voice shouting at someone on the other hand before he angrily hung up.

He got into the dressing room, the angry face he previously had on replaced with a gentler expression.

"There was a mix-up with the boxes."

"when will the new clothes arrive?" manager Kim asked as he looked at his watch as he tapped the floor furiously.

"it would take hours." He said.

Manager Kim looked at him like he would strangle him, but instead, he let out a loud sigh and kept quiet, which was even more dangerous.

He was quite known in the circle as someone meticulous and strict. He didn't enjoy anyone messing up his schedule.

He had quite a number of successful artists under his wing, and he had been transferred to Raiven in less than a month.

As of now, Raiven was racking in a huge amount for the company, and they insisted on getting him the best manager.

But they hardly talked except for work.

He had noticed that about Raiven.

Even with the group, he revealed just enough but not too much.

Manager Kim hadn't met such an artist in a long time. they hardly had any problems and wouldn't complain. He had tried to get closer, but Raiven was more reserved than he expected. it would be better if he shouted and said anything. The entertainment industry was a tough war zone without venting out any frustration it would just build up inside and would come to bite back later.

He had seen it first hand himself.

All this while Raiven had been looking through the clothes.

"I think I can make some of them work. You said we can't reschedule. " The two looked at him, I question.

Raiven grabbed a feathery skirt and looked at it intently.

Rin was just retouching her makeup when Raiven walked in, wearing nothing but a skirt. He had on large platform boots a large hat. His eyes were made into the most beautiful shade of black makeup with glitters.

He had on a mesh top, which revealed his well-defined body.

Everyone stood in shock as he stood at the stage.

Rin gave a smirk as she looked at him.

Now, she understood what the hype around him was. He was an insane person, and nobody even complained about it.

The shoot went smoothly with Raiven, adding some comments here and there, which the production team took into advisory.

Although it took an hour more than what was planned, he wanted to be thorough. He didn't like doing half a job. He also made sure to give the staff some beverages.

With this nature, he earned himself a good name . Anyone who worked with him showered him praises, some saying they would do anything to work with him once again.

Raiven turned his head it was already 11. 20 when they walked out of the studio. He let out a yawn as he waited for his van to come by along with his manager.

"You have to stop doing that." Manager Kim said as he typed something into his phone.

"It wasn't their fault." Raiven said lightly as he pocketed his hands. It was quite chilly. He glanced at a truck that had stopped on the opposite side of the street.

"you have a flight at one." Manager Kim stated with a defeated tone. "you should rest." He added.

Raiven hardly slept for more than three hours.

His schedule was so hectic he had to utilise even the nighttime, but he never complained.

Manager Kim often wondered why he didn't complain about it and wondered what his motivation was. He hardly ever spoke about his family

They had to get on a flight to join up with the group in LA, where they would join the annual musical K-pop festival K.lever. it was quite well known and to be invited at such a stage was a huge feat that many would fight for especially especially for a group this young.

The group had already gone the previous day and had already been a head in preparation if Raiven was to go now in order to catch up with the rest he would have to compensate with his time of rest. And immediately after the concert was done, he had to travel to Thailand for an endorsement fan meeting.

Just as the driver was getting out of the truck, Raivens van stopped in front of him, blocking his view.

"let's go." Manager Kim said as he opened the door for him.

***

Raiven let out a sigh as the flight announced it would be touching down in Korea. He let out another sigh as he buckled his belt.

It had already been a whole week since the festival and his body had given way.

Despite trying to sleep, he could hardly sleep, and because of his hectic schedule, he couldn't use his pills in case there was an issue. This left his body exhausted.

All he wanted to do was take some rest. He was supposed to stay in a shared house with the members, but since he had such a hectic schedule, he hardly spent time with them. During the festival, he could sense some hostility and distance from some of the members, but he didn't think much of it.

Due to his hectic schedule, another member, Ten, had been announced as the leader of the group.

He had brought back some gifts in the hope of reconciling with them even slightly.

It was almost 2AM due to how much commotion fans had caused at the airport he had opted to travel at night most of the time.

He had two days off, which he could use to relax before his next schedule.

"The magazine preorder is already at a hundred thousand. Manager Kim told him excitedly.

He gave him a weak smile as he continued looking out the window.

It's not that he wasn't happy, but he was beyond exhausted to give anything but that small smile.

Manager Kim had worked hard to clear his schedule for two days, although it took a lot of convincing and discussion, and he was finally able to clear the schedule.

He wouldn't admit it, but he admired Raiven quite a lot during the past few months he had gotten to know him. He had thought he would be a lost brat, but it turned out he didn't even say much. He was kind to staff and made sure to bring a gift to his schedules.

But he felt he was putting a lot of strain on himself. He didn't know his motivation. Each time he tried asking, Raiven would dodge the question, so he just gave up.

The plane finally landed. Raiven slowly stood up sleepily. He wore the mask manager Kim handed to him before strapping his sling bag.

They walked into the main building towards the assistant and manger Kim pushing the trolley of bags behind him.

As soon as the door opened, camera flashes filled the entrance. Raiven stood in front of the press and bowed before a group of bodyguards surrounded him, leading him towards the exit and the waiting cars.

Despite the late hour, a lot of fans had shown up. He was thankful to them. They were quite relentless.

Despite the pushing and huddling, they finally arrived at the car. Before going in, he once again bowed to everyone and got into the car.

"You should rest." Raiven looked beside him to see manager Kim on his tablet.

"I am fine." He stated. Manager Kim gave him a slight glance before looking away.

The car finally stopped outside of a black gate. Raiven got out and went to put in the passcode as the assistant and a bodyguard helped remove the suitcases.

The gate opened up. He walked inside the small compound towards the main entrance before putting in another code.

"just leave them there. I will take care of it." He whispered to the assistant and bodyguard so as not to wake up the others. They nodded and put the suitcases inside the entrance.

"we'll talk later." Manager Kim said as he closed the door behind Raiven.

"finally you came back." A voice said, startling Raiven.

He looked up while holding his chest.

Zen was standing close to the entrance, rubbing his eyes as he yawned.

"I thought you would be asleep." Raiven scolded as he removed his shoes and walked up to him.

He walked up to him and gave him a small hug before walking towards the counter, where he found a pitcher of water and poured some for himself.

Zen looked behind him, and the suitcases abandoned at the doorway. He shook his head before taking the suitcases and started playing them inside.

Raiven was drinking some water as he looked at Zen with a smile.

"that's why you are my favourite." He placed the glass down with a wide smile and started walking up the steps towards his room.

Zen looked at him with a sigh. He didn't true as he always did guessing that Raiven was probably too tired he let it go.

"There is a gift for you in the blue suitcase. " Raiven told him as he continued up the stairs, not sparing Zen a glance.

Zen lit up at the news and quickly opened the suitcase.

Raiven closed the door behind him as he collapsed on the bed, not even bothering to remove his dirty clothes. He threw his sling bag on the floor and slowly covered himself with the duvet. He quickly fell asleep.

○●○●

It was almost noon when his phone rang. He ignored it as he turned to the side, thinking the caller would go to voicemail. Buy the caller kept calling until he finally gave up. He blindly reached down and grabbed the sling of his bag before pulling out his phone.

He didn't even look at the caller ID when he received the call.

He sleepily said hello as he started falling into a sleepy daze once again.

"it's been a long time." The person said..

"who is this?" He asked, removing the phone from his ear, and looking at the caller ID, it was a private number.

"don't you remember me?" the person asked.