The hospital's high-ceilinged, sharp antiseptic-smelling corridors were filled with morning light. Gogo and Yuri were escorted out of the hospital separately to avoid creating rumors. That was the company's strict instruction. Still, Gogo's return changed even the atmosphere inside the building. It was as if an invisible weight had lifted off everyone's shoulders. The staff couldn't hide the admiration in their eyes the moment they saw him; they watched the young idol who had miraculously survived ten days on the island, almost holding their breath.
Hana approached the group with a small card in her hand. The office lights were warm yellow, and outside the day was turning crimson.
Hana: "Kids, for Gogo's return, the company arranged a group dinner for you before work begins. Here's the hotel address."
She handed the card to Ray. The group made their preparations and set out. The entrance of the luxury hotel was covered with a large glass wall that reflected the city's night lights. Soft music played inside, and the scent of fresh flowers drifted through the lobby.
The moment Gogo stepped inside, he saw Yuri. Yuri was cleaning the floors in a corner with a janitor cart. Her uniform was a little big, her face tired, but there was a familiar stubbornness in her eyes.
Gogo: "You guys sit. I'll go check something."
Ray immediately turned.
Ray: "What? What's she doing here?"
Gogo: "I told her to come. She had no place to stay."
Kiko leaned in:
Kiko: "Well, looks like she's working here. Cleaning."
Ray tried to stop Gogo nervously:
Ray: "Gogo, did you forget what the company said? They could be anywhere."
Gogo's gaze was determined:
Gogo: "Yeah, but I need to know what's going on."
Ray was about to speak, but Vex stepped in. His face was serious.
Vex: "Ray, they went through hell together. Gogo knows what he's doing. We need to trust him."
Jeno smiled softly:
Jeno: "Vex is right. Let's move."
As Gogo walked past Yuri, he spoke loud enough for her to hear.
Gogo: "Follow me."
The two walked toward a quieter part of the hallway. The hotel's noise faded behind them, leaving only the faint sound of the air conditioner.
Gogo: "What are you doing?"
Yuri held up the mop in her hand.
Yuri: "What does it look like? I'm mopping."
Gogo: "Did you start working here?"
Yuri let out an embarrassed breath.
Yuri: "I'm cleaning in return for the food I ate. I don't have money. And I haven't found a proper job yet."
Gogo fell silent for a moment. There was a brief crack in his eyes.
Gogo: "I gave you my number. Why didn't you call? Wait, let me guess. Your stubbornness kicked in, right?"
Then, teasingly:
Gogo: "Good job. Keep it up. Go on then, continue mopping. Come on."
Yuri didn't move. Her expression fell.
Gogo: "What now? Why aren't you going? If you had told me, I could've gotten you a job instantly."
Yuri was about to say something, but Gogo raised his hand sharply.
Gogo: "Don't talk. Drop that and go to your room."
Yuri was just about to turn around when Gogo stopped her again.
Gogo: "Wait a minute. You studied styling, right?"
Yuri: "Yes, but… why are you asking?"
A familiar confidence spread across Gogo's face.
Gogo: "Alright. You'll be our stylist from now on. Our current one is quitting anyway."
Yuri's eyes widened.
Yuri: "What? Are you insane? Why would they pick me when there are huge stylists out there? You must have lost your mind."
She then raised her hand and checked Gogo's head.
Yuri: "I'm just checking if you hit your head somewhere on the island without me noticing. You didn't… which means you were born crazy."
Gogo smirked playfully.
Gogo: "Ha ha ha. Another joke. Do you think you're clever? Do what I said and come to that address tomorrow."
He turned and walked back to the group.
Vex: "Look, Gogo's coming!"
Jeno: "Gogo, is there a problem?"
Gogo: "There was. I handled it. Let's eat."
Ray gave him a meaningful look.
Ray: "If it's not private… what was the problem?"
Gogo: "She's cleaning here because she doesn't have money. I found her a job."
Ray put his fork down.
Ray: "Aaaand…?"
Gogo saw the four of them staring at him and shrugged.
Gogo: "You're asking what job I found, right? Mmm… Yuri will be working with us now."
At that sentence, it was as if the hotel froze. Kiko choked on her food, Vex accidentally sprayed water all over Jeno. Jeno turned bright red.
Ray: "Do you even know what you're saying? The company—"
Gogo cut him off.
Gogo: "I know. But I can't leave her like that. If one of you had fallen on that island, you would understand what I mean. We went through hell. At one point, I thought you all assumed we were dead and stopped looking. But… even though she's annoying and stubborn, Yuri is actually a really good girl. She kept my spirits up. Ten days… looks small from the mainland. But it didn't feel small on the island."
Kiko gently patted Gogo's back.
Then Ray spoke. His face was still serious.
Ray: "So what will you do? First, you need to convince the company. Then there's Hana. And most importantly, if fans hear Yuri is working with us…"
Gogo: "She'll be Foxen's stylist. Our current stylist has been planning to go abroad anyway. Her dream will come true, and Yuri will have a job."
Kiko raised her eyebrows.
Kiko: "Okay, but not everyone can be a stylist. Am I wrong?"
Gogo: "Kiko, I get your point, but I didn't pick Yuri just for nothing. She studied styling and ranked second in her school."
Jeno leaned back.
Jeno: "Oooo… you two talked a lot on the island."
Gogo: "What did you expect? What else was there to do?"
Vex: "Ray, what do you say? Gogo's waiting."
Ray: "I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best."
And the five friends left the restaurant happily.
Company building
Ray and Gogo sat across from Hana in a conference room surrounded by wide glass walls. On Hana's face were at least three shades of shock.
Hana: "What what what? Wait, did I hear correctly? We're hiring the girl who ruined your vacation and almost got you killed instead of punishing her? No, no… this is too much."
Gogo widened his eyes and stared at her innocently.
Hana: "Ray, tell him! Don't let him look at me with those innocent eyes. I will never approve this."
Ray: "Hana, we already need a stylist. Our current one will leave soon."
Hana: "You too, Ray? Come on. Fine, she studied styling. Fine, she was second in her class. But do you realize who you are? You're world stars. You're Foxen. And if this gets out, we're ruined."
Ray: "I said all of this. But everyone knows Gogo. Once he fixates on something, he never lets go."
Hana was about to respond when Gogo suddenly clutched his stomach and pretended to collapse.
Gogo: "I think… I'm dying… The island's effects are still here. The doctor said I'd live but… was he lying? Hana… I think I'm going…"
Hana panicked and rushed to his side.
Gogo: "Hana, before I die… will you grant me one last wish?"
Ray stood in the corner, hands in his pockets, watching the drama like he had already seen this play many times.
Hana: "What are you talking about? You're not dying! You're faking it, right? And Ray, I know you're laughing. You two troublemakers… fine! I'll talk to the boss first. Wait for my call."
Gogo stepped out of the room with the pride of a commander returning from victory.
Two hours later
Gogo's phone rang.
Gogo: "Hana, I'm listening."
Hana: "They want to meet Yuri. And Gogo, that's all I can do. Ranking second in school is impressive, but she'll have to prove herself here. The rest depends on her skill."
Gogo: "Yes, I understand. Thank you, my beloved manager. You're the kindest manager in the world."
Hana: "There you go again… you little brat. Anyway… working with you is my luck. I'm glad you're here."
One week later
Time flew. Preparations for Foxen's comeback intensified—studios, meetings, rehearsals. Tours were canceled, but millions of fans awaited the comeback announcement.
And now, officially, Yuri was Foxen's stylist.
A massive fan meeting was held before the concert. The hall was packed to the brim, lights flashing, fans screaming, the atmosphere vibrating with raw energy. Yuri tried her best to avoid cameras, but she still ended up being filmed.
Stepmother's house
The small TV's bright light hit the dim room, casting moving shadows across the faded flower-patterned wallpaper.
Magazine Reporter: "After Gogo's return, the group met fans. The crowd was unbelievable. Foxen mania continues at full speed."
Stepmother Minseo froze when Yuri flashed on screen for a second. Shock washed over her face, then a sly sparkle lit up her eyes.
Minseo: "Sooheeee! Come here right now!"
Sohee ran in.
Sohee: "What? You scared me."
Minseo: "You get scared of your own shadow, that's normal. Anyway… I think I saw Yuri."
Sohee: "Yuri? Where?"
Minseo pointed at the TV.
Minseo: "With this group. Who are they?"
Sohee: "Foxen."
Minseo pressed her lips.
Minseo: "Whatever. We need to find Yuri immediately. You heard the groom's mother. We need to bring her back. If not, we'll lose this house too."
Sohee took a deep breath.
Sohee: "Mom… can't you just leave Yuri alone? She doesn't want this. You can't force it."
Minseo's face twisted with ugly anger.
Minseo: "They used to date. It's not forcing! Yuri broke up, the boy couldn't handle it. What could he do? He tore himself apart yelling Yuri's name like there were no other girls!"
Then, with a disgusted expression:
Minseo: "Look at Yuri's face… honestly, my ass is prettier than hers."
Sohee: "Mom!"
Minseo: "Shut up! Find her. Address, phone, whatever. Now."