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Everyone was seated at the table, eating dinner while casually chatting.

Soobin spoke up, setting down his chopsticks. “Guys, by the way, I got a text from the manager earlier. There’s an important meeting tomorrow.”

Kai tilted his head, curiosity lighting up his face. “Important? Is it good news? Are we going on vacation?” His bright smile was hopeful.

Beomgyu scoffed, leaning back in his chair, clearly unimpressed. He knew exactly what the meeting would be about.

Yeonjun exchanged a glance with Beomgyu before looking at Soobin, who gave a subtle shake of his head. “Kai, we just got back from vacation last month,” Yeonjun reminded.

Taehyun chuckled and patted Kai’s shoulder. “Don’t get your hopes up too high.”

Kai pouted, crossing his arms. “Sad man,” he muttered under his breath, earning a laugh from Taehyun.

—Time Skip—

As the night wound down, Soobin, Taehyun, and Kai retreated to their rooms to get some rest. Beomgyu stayed behind to finish washing the dishes. Just as he was about to leave the kitchen, Yeonjun gently grabbed his arm to stop him.

“You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?” Yeonjun’s voice was soft, careful not to push too hard.

Beomgyu didn’t reply at first, his silence louder than any words. Finally, he muttered, “I’m not.” It was a blatant lie.

Yeonjun offered a small, knowing smile. “You shouldn’t go to sleep with those thoughts weighing you down.”

“Stop,” Beomgyu said quietly, pulling his arm free. His tone wasn’t angry but tired—exhausted, even.

Yeonjun let him go, watching as he disappeared into his room. A heavy sigh escaped him as he leaned against the counter, his head filled with the same unease. After a moment, he grabbed a glass of water and headed to bed himself.

—The Next Day—

The members sat around the meeting room, their manager standing before them. There was a mix of curiosity and tension in the air.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you all here,” the manager began, looking around the room.

Kai and Taehyun exchanged puzzled glances, while Beomgyu, Yeonjun, and Soobin remained stone-faced, already anticipating what was coming.

“I’ve decided to hire someone to help take care of you all,” the manager announced.

Kai blinked, clearly confused. “Wait, what? What do you mean by that? Are we… getting a nanny or something?”

Beomgyu let out a sharp scoff, leaning back in his chair. “Apparently, someone thinks we’re still kids,” he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The manager shot him a warning glare before continuing. “Look, I understand this might feel unnecessary, but this decision is for your benefit.”

Taehyun furrowed his brow. “But… we have Soobin-hyung. He’s already looking after us as our leader.”

Yeonjun nodded in agreement, while Soobin stayed silent, his expression unreadable.

Beomgyu crossed his arms. “Exactly. We don’t need someone else. We’re perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves. We clean, we cook, we handle our own lives just fine. So why?”

The manager sighed, clearly prepared for this resistance. “Yes, but those things take up a lot of your time. With a new album on the way, we need you focused on work. This will give you more time for yourselves—and for what’s important.”

Beomgyu’s frustration deepened. “We don’t need this. We’re fine the way we are.”

Ignoring him, the manager turned to the rest of the group. “So, does anyone have any major objections?”

Beomgyu’s eyes darted around the room, hoping someone would speak up. But Taehyun and Kai remained quiet, Soobin looked down, and Yeonjun avoided his gaze entirely.

The silence crushed him. It felt like betrayal.

The manager clapped his hands lightly. “Alright, then. Let’s proceed.” He turned toward the door. “Chaeyon, you can come in.”

A young woman stepped into the room, looking slightly awkward as she stood beside the manager.

“Hello, I’m Chaeyon,” she said, her voice soft but steady.

The room fell silent, everyone stunned.

Beomgyu’s eyes widened in disbelief. A girl?

Kai and Taehyun blinked, processing the sudden development. Soobin was taken aback but didn’t let it show. Meanwhile, Yeonjun’s gaze swept over her, his expression unreadable but critical.

Beomgyu broke the silence, offering a sarcastic smile. “Wow, a smurf. That’s who you got to babysit us?”

Yeonjun stifled a laugh, covering his mouth as the manager glared at Beomgyu again.

The manager turned to Chaeyon, offering her a reassuring smile. “Don’t mind him. Now, there are a few rules you need to follow while you’re living with them.”

Chaeyon nodded. “Of course.”

“Rule one: You’re not allowed to invade their privacy or enter their rooms unless given permission. Rule two: You cannot get physically close to any member. I hope you understand what that means. Rule three: While they’re on live broadcasts, you’re strictly prohibited from appearing on camera. We can’t afford any rumors. Understood?”

“I understand,” Chaeyon said firmly. “I promise to abide by the rules.”

Yeonjun muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the members to hear, “Only three rules? They should’ve added one where she doesn’t even show her shadow.”

Kai snickered silently, trying not to draw attention.

Beomgyu leaned back in his chair, rolling his eyes. This was going to be a disaster.

To be continued...