Chapter 2
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Fear of returning to Fake Uncle’s grasp propelled her into action without hesitation.
Tension thickened the air around her.
Beads of icy sweat formed on Yewon’s forehead while she tilted her head toward the man labeled Uncle Doha.
Shadows from his tugged-low baseball cap and ebony mask failed to hide refined bone structure.
As head of the seven-year idol powerhouse GLEET, Lee Doha dominated the scene.
South Korea held few oblivious to his presence.
Freshman honors marked year one, peak song and record triumphs followed in year two, ultimate accolade sealed year three.
Domestic and global trophies piled high for GLEET, idols atop their time.
Doha’s stardom outshone groupmates by far.
Superior compositions fueled eighty percent of their swift dominance.
His every creation exploded into colossal successes, genius label fitting perfectly.
Songcraft barely scratched his talents.
Vocals matched elite leads, footwork competed fiercely.
Visual magnet sealed the package.
Perfection shattered norms.
Her blood uncle, truly?
Desperation forced the claim, doubt lingered heavy.
Serious eyes fixed upon her now.
Blood ties demanded embraces over stern stares.
Sweeping her away seemed his plan.
Doha’s arms encircled her suddenly; surprise hit Yewon, yet she yielded without resistance.
Disarray struck another who stepped forward to halt him.
“Hold on—what’s going on? This breaks our arrangement.”
Terror whitened his cheeks, dread of forfeiting twin profit sources clear.
From her vantage, Yewon stole glances at Doha’s hidden face.
Her sharp instincts for moods drew blanks this time.
Curiosity swirled around Uncle’s intentions.
Reasons existed for his past choice to delegate her care elsewhere.
Such history made her direct plea bewildering now.
Doubts crept that he preferred her remaining there.
“Uncle, please… fear grips me. Keep me from him.”
Her cheek pressed firmly against his shoulder.
Hidden from sight, matching sharp inhales pierced the quiet.
Abandonment felt impossible after that.
“Mr. Lee Doha—the deal we struck doesn’t cover this.”
Fake Uncle’s voice begged from close behind.
Each desperate word coiled Yewon’s fingers deeper into Doha’s shirt.
Gestures often trumped endless arguments.
“She’s trembling in fear. Postpone the discussion.”
“Impossible—you vowed otherwise.”
“Composure evades me entirely.”
Fake Uncle’s volume spiked in fresh objection.
“You can’t back out. Release her now.”
Urgency drove his hand toward grabbing her outright.
A calm, resolute tone cut through from nearby.
“Recognition from before. Park Yeongeo, manager to Mr. Lee Doha. Observing this…”
His compact delivery masterfully shifted all eyes his way.
“Clear aversion from her side. Forcing contact invites trouble—assault accusations, child harm allegations. Covers bodily and mental harm.”
Child harm reference drained color from Fake Uncle completely.
Past experiences marked his deep police aversion.
Panic over true intervention shook him visibly.
“Start with me. Doha, head to the car holding her.”
“Firm lawyer present too—handle it there.”
Lawyer words further muted his faltering protests.
Yeongeo’s precise pressure achieved instant quiet.
Enraged stares bored into Doha and Yewon before muttered venom and withdrawal followed.
Even bold tormentors crumbled under real authority.
Her vulnerability had invited endless abuse before.
“Wise move. Follow this path.”
“Fine, fine. Clear enough.”
Fading echoes carried manager and Fake Uncle away.
Cloying fragrance and false concern vanished.
Fresh chill filled her breaths; Yewon’s grasp on Doha clenched harder on reflex.
Destination stayed unasked.
Unfamiliar path brought no worry.
Freedom from torment weighted her eyelids downward.
Slender fingers like fragile leaves tugged his collar secure.
Determination to resist all sway this time…
Softened utterly within his broad palm’s comfort.
[Music world reels from stunning announcement.]
Distant memory blurred the event’s timeline.
[…【GLEET】’s frontman Lee Doha gone too soon. Label silent on circumstances. Devotees and industry mourn loss deeply…]
Initial report seared lasting dismay and grief.
Denial locked her gaze to the broadcast.
Why extend such care her way?
Set for ads once drew that query to her scene partner Doha.
His vague response triggered unexpected chuckles.
Puzzled, he joined in, their mirth echoing without cause.
Warmth and gentleness defined her recalled Doha.
Scandals from Uncle crushed her image; isolation swept the crew save his steadfast guard.
His exit defied comprehension.
That broadcast crystallized a harsher, emptier existence.
Lids parted once more.
Eerie calm washed over.
“Yewon, destination reached. Out we go.”
Her true family peered down warmly.
[Today’s Tip!: Lee Doha fronted vocals and helm for five-piece 【GLEET】!]
[Today’s Tip!: 【GLEET】 carries on as four strong.]
