My Ex is in my Idol Group

Episode 22: Stage Left, Heart Right

The Asia Artist Awards were always held in a blinding blaze of lights. Media vans lined the venue for blocks. Fan slogans spilled from every corner in neon, glitter, and fabric. But tonight felt different.

This wasn't just another red carpet.

This was a rebellion dressed in tailored suits.

AX1 arrived without handlers. No stylists. No PR managers. Just the five of them, dressed in black and silver, with determination sharper than any award trophy.

Seon adjusted his mic pack as he stepped from the van. "Last chance to back out."

Jun snorted. "After everything? I'd rather be banned than bow."

Jaewon's eyes met Seon's. "Together, right?"

"Always."

They walked into the building as cameras exploded around them. Security looked confused, unsure whether to let them in. But then a call came through from someone higher up. Someone braver.

Let them sing.

---

Backstage, 15 Minutes to Curtain

The energy was electric. Staff whispered. Other idols stared.

Some looked at Seon with sympathy. Others, with awe.

And a few? With jealousy.

The boys huddled together in the waiting room. Jaewon tuned his in-ear monitors. Seo-jin paced in circles. Minho tapped his sticks against his thigh.

Jun was quiet.

Seon approached him. "You okay?"

Jun nodded slowly. "I used to dream about this stage. Winning an award. Crying on live TV. But now I realize… this stage was never meant to hold truth. We're bringing it anyway."

Seon placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let's tear the roof off."

---

Flashback — Practice Room, 2 Years Ago

They'd just been scolded for missing a beat.

"Again," the choreographer barked.

Their bodies ached. Shirts soaked. But Jaewon clapped his hands. "Let's go, one more!"

The others groaned.

"Don't be annoying," Jun snapped.

Jaewon smiled. "One day, you'll thank me for being annoying."

Seon didn't speak. But when the music restarted, he was the first to move.

---

Curtain Call

The stage manager signaled them.

Three minutes.

Fans screamed as the MC hyped the next act.

"The group that shook the industry this year — AX1!"

The music began. Low static. A heartbeat. A pulse.

And then, Noiseproof erupted.

The boys took the stage like they'd owned it all along.

Seon stood at the center, voice calm but cutting.

> "You tried to erase me.

But I learned to write in fire."

Lights burst. Fans screamed.

Jun's rap hit like bullets:

> "Contracts signed in silence,

Now I sign in sound —

If survival's an art,

Then watch me paint this crown."

Choreography? Impeccable. They weren't just performing — they were testifying.

When Seon hit the bridge again, people held their breath.

> "You told me silence was safer…

But it never saved me."

And then… nothing.

His mic cut.

The audio dropped.

Panic in the control booth. Staff ran. Cameras wobbled.

But Jaewon stepped up beside him.

He grabbed a spare mic, held it between them.

Seon looked at him.

And sang.

Raw. Loud. Defiant.

> "So I'll burn with my voice if I must —

At least you'll hear me die singing!"

The crowd ROARED.

Idols in the front row stood. Fans cried.

It was no longer a performance.

It was a revolution.

---

Backstage Aftermath

They didn't win an award.

Of course not. Politics ran deep.

But they won the night.

Their clip trended for days. Artists from across industries reposted it.

Noiseproof hit #1 on every chart. Unofficially.

Fans called it the "Anthem of the Silenced."

And Director Yoo?

His properties were seized.

Court cases were opened.

A documentary was announced: The Price of Silence: The AX1 Story.

---

Dorm Rooftop, Again

Jaewon leaned against the railing.

"Remember our first rooftop moment?"

Seon nodded, handing him a can of soda.

"You said you'd do it all again," Seon murmured.

Jaewon looked over. "And you finally kissed me."

Seon smiled, rare and quiet.

"Was it worth it?" Jaewon asked.

Seon leaned his head on his shoulder.

"All of it. Even the pain. Because it led me here. To you."

---

Final Scene: Unexpected Call

At 3AM, Seon's phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

He picked up.

"Hello?"

A woman's voice. Calm. Professional.

"This is Park Jiyun from Global Artists Network. We saw your performance. We'd like to discuss… AX1's international d

ebut."

Seon sat up, eyes wide.

"Sorry, who did you say you were again?"

The voice chuckled.

"The stage belongs to the brave, Mr. Seon. And right now… the world is listening."

---

To be continued…