The door of KOVA opened slowly…
A faint sound, barely audible, yet enough to announce a return no one had expected in this way.
Park Minsoo stepped in.
His steps were heavy… unsteady.
His shoulders slightly slumped, as if an invisible weight pressed down on him without mercy.
His face was pale, and his eyes…
broken.
It wasn't just exhaustion. It was something deeper—
the look of someone who hadn't slept… or perhaps hadn't known peace in a long time.
He paused at the entrance for a moment, as if trying to gather what was left of himself, then walked toward the practice room.
The rhythm filled the space.
Bodies moved in sync before the mirror…
Until the door opened.
Choi Hyun-woo was the first to stop.
Then, one by one, the movements slowed…
Until silence took over.
All eyes turned to him.
Lee Jun-ho clenched his jaw silently.
Park Ji-hoon looked at him with clear concern.
As for Jung Woo-jin, he took a small step forward, as if he wanted to approach… but hesitated.
Minsoo said nothing.
He walked past them quietly without lifting his gaze and headed to his usual spot.
Hyun-woo spoke, his voice low but firm:
"You're finally back."
No response.
Jun-ho added, his tone hiding more than it revealed:
"We've been working for days… without you."
Ji-hoon spoke gently, hesitantly:
"We were… worried."
Minsoo lifted his gaze for a brief moment.
A short glance…
But it was enough.
There was exhaustion in it, a silent apology… and something else no one could understand.
He said calmly:
"Let's start."
The members exchanged quick looks.
Blame…
Concern…
And an undeniable dependence.
Because he was
the heart of the group.
Their lyricist.
The composer behind some of their most important songs.
And the voice that, despite its strength in singing… chose to be known as a rapper.
The music resumed.
Training began.
Everyone moved in harmony…
Except him.
His steps lagged half a second behind.
His movements were heavier.
His breaths were shorter.
One of the members finally spoke, unable to stay silent any longer:
"If you're sick… get treatment."
The music stopped.
He added sharply:
"The performance is close. At this rate… we'll become the talk of the world."
Tension filled the room.
Ji-hoon quickly intervened:
"He didn't mean it… we just"
Woo-jin said softly:
"We're worried about you, hyung."
Minsoo didn't respond.
He simply gave a slight nod… and forced himself to continue.
The door opened.
The manager stepped in.
Han Sera.
Silence fell instantly.
She looked at all of them…
Then her gaze stopped on Minsoo.
She said nothing for a few seconds.
A long… steady look.
Then she spoke in a practical tone:
"There's a new advertisement."
She raised the file.
"A global campaign for a luxury fashion brand. The shoot will take place in Paris next week."
She looked at them all:
"We need flawless performance. As always, prepare for travel."
Her eyes returned to Minsoo.
A brief silence.
Then she said:
"Park Minsoo… see me after practice."
She turned and left.
Hyun-woo and Jun-ho exchanged a quick glance.
Silent…
But full of understanding.
Training resumed.
But Minsoo's body could no longer keep up.
Every movement felt like a battle.
Every breath… a burden.
After practice…
Minsoo stood in front of the office door.
He hesitated for a few seconds…
Then knocked.
"Come in."
He entered slowly.
Han Sera was seated behind her desk.
As strict as ever…
Yet her eyes, this time, weren't entirely cold.
She said calmly:
"Sit."
He sat down.
A brief silence.
Then she asked:
"How is your health?"
He looked at her, slightly surprised.
"Your absences have been frequent."
"And… you don't look well today."
He didn't answer.
She sighed softly, then said:
"The interview yesterday was very successful…"
She looked at him directly:
"You said you weren't ready."
A pause.
"And I was the one who pushed you."
Silence.
"It was an important interview. Your return after eight years caused a huge buzz."
Then she added more softly:
"But that doesn't mean I didn't notice."
Minsoo slowly lifted his eyes.
She said clearly:
"There are rumors."
A pause.
"That you're using drugs."
He froze.
"And this cannot be ignored."
She looked at him firmly:
"You will take a test."
His voice dropped:
"No."
She raised an eyebrow slightly:
"No?"
This time, he spoke more clearly:
"I won't."
His voice tightened without rising:
"I'm not an addict."
She watched him in silence.
Then she said, more quietly:
"Then… what are you hiding, Minsoo?"
He said nothing.
His hand clenched tightly.
His eyes trembled…
But all he said was:
"Nothing."
She looked at him for a long moment…
As if she knew that this word
was heavier than the truth itself.
"Be honest with me… I'll support you."
"I trust you."
Minsoo lifted his eyes, a flicker of gratitude in them.
"As long as you've supported me…
I'm truly not an addict."
"Then what is it? A rumor like this could destroy your group if it spreads."
With visible hesitation, Minsoo said:
"I… I…"
Then he turned and walked out.
Because he could no longer face it—
nor continue creating endless excuses.