Chapter Text
A boy with light purple hair walked beside a lawyer, slowly making his way toward the waiting car. A crowd had already gathered, a wall of flashing cameras and shouting voices eager for a statement after the day’s hearing. Before he could reach the vehicle, his knees buckled, and he collapsed straight into the lawyer’s arms.
BREAKING NEWS: Renowned singer Felix Winterforn has been officially released from his contract with Grapeful Music Inc.
Multiple reports confirm that the former child star experienced years of abuse under the agency, which managed him from his early acting days. The court has ruled in favor of Felix, granting him full rights to his name and personal brand. In addition, Grapeful Music has been ordered to undergo a comprehensive audit and pay a significant fine for negligence and misconduct.
Shortly after the judgment was announced, Felix collapsed outside the courthouse. Sources say his parents, previously believed to be supportive, were complicit in the abuse and have now lost all parental rights.
The case has sparked a nationwide conversation about the treatment of child actors. Led by Winter Fae, Felix’s loyal fanbase, a movement is now calling for stricter protections for minors in the entertainment industry.
Rumors suggest that Felix may be leaving the United States for good. Unconfirmed reports indicate a potential partnership with sMiLea, a newly established agency in Japan. Neither Felix nor any agency representatives have made an official comment.
Felix blinked against the sterile hospital lights, disoriented. His mouth was dry, his body heavy. A newspaper article displayed on his tablet screen described everything—his court victory, the collapse, the rumors. It felt surreal, like someone else’s life.
He sat back slowly, his voice hoarse. “I collapsed, huh…”
There was no one in the room. No staff. No family. No friends. Just the distant beeping of hospital monitors.
A young doctor stepped in. “Ah, Mr. Winterforn. You’re awake. I’m Dr. Men.”
Felix blinked at him. “Who brought me in?”
“The lawyer who represented you—Mr. Pallicak,” the doctor said, reviewing his chart.
Felix looked down. “So… no one else, huh?” he muttered.
Dr. Men didn’t answer. Instead, he quietly opened the door, allowing a tired-looking man to step inside.
“Mr. Pallicak?” Felix asked, confused.
The lawyer smiled gently. “Kiddio, did you think I’d let you face this alone? After everything?”
Felix looked away. “I’m… not used to this. People caring, I mean. It’s only ever happened with Lin. Back in Japan.”
Pallicak placed a comforting hand on Felix’s shoulder. “Well, get used to it. Because it’s not going to change now.”
He handed Felix a paper. “The judge granted you full emancipation. You’re free, Felix.”
Felix stared at the page. “I’m… free?”
For a long moment, the room was silent. Then, slowly, a smile broke across his face—genuine and disbelieving. Felix Winterforn was free.
The lawyer and doctor exchanged glances, each knowing just how much pain the boy had endured to reach this moment.
“You also received compensation from your guardians,” Pallicak added. “It’s enough to live on while you figure out your next steps.”
Felix looked toward the window, a distant spark of hope lighting his gaze. “I could travel. Try things. Have fun...”
“You deserve to,” the lawyer said. “You graduated at fourteen. You’ve worked harder than most adults ever will. Take this time for yourself.”
Felix remembered something Lin once told him: “Keep pushing forward. You’re not meant to live trapped.”
“Mr. Winterforn,” Pallicak continued, “You’ll want to confirm that your past projects—your movies, songs—are still available for fans.”
“Yes,” Felix said, nodding. “The staff weren’t at fault. They didn’t know what was happening. I want Winter Fae to keep enjoying the things I worked on.”
Dr. Men walked over and offered him a glass of water. “Did they ever break any bones?” he asked carefully while examining him.
“No,” Felix said calmly. “They knew not to. That would’ve shown.”
The doctor’s jaw clenched as he made notes.
Pallicak rose to his feet. “Please share the medical records. We’ll ensure every responsible party is held accountable.”
“Of course,” Dr. Men replied firmly. “Mr. Winterforn deserves nothing less than respect—and healing.”
Felix tilted his head, puzzled by the warmth in the doctor’s voice.
He didn’t yet realize that his soft smile, his songs, his very presence had already begun to heal those around him. In this new life, he wasn’t alone. He had found people—real people—who cared.
A loud growl from his stomach broke the moment.
“I’ll go get the nurse to bring you lunch,” Dr. Men said with a slight chuckle.
Felix nodded, then looked at his phone. His fingers trembled slightly.
“Mr. Pallicak… could you call sMiLea for me?” he asked, eyes wide with hope. “I—I-I want to see if they’ll meet with me.”
Pallicak smiled, already pulling out his phone. “Consider it done.”
As he stepped outside, Felix lay back down, finally letting himself breathe.
Meanwhile, in Japan…
Maoto entered the shared office and handed Lin his phone. “You’ll want to read this.”
Lin raised a brow before scrolling through the message.
Subject: Inquiry from Felix Winterforn
Dear Mr. Tsujidō and Mr. Ōtsuki,
My name is Harold Pallicak, attorney for Felix Winterforn.
As you may have heard, Felix has recently been freed from a long and difficult situation. He has expressed interest in joining your agency, sMiLea.
Please consider this message a formal invitation to speak. If you are open to discussion, we will cover all expenses for a trip to the U.S. and provide further details upon confirmation.
Thank you,
Harold Pallicak
Lin and Maoto exchanged glances. Harumi Sue, who had been reviewing contracts at a nearby desk, walked over.
“Is that who I think it is?” she asked.
“Yes,” Lin replied. “Felix Winterforn. He wants to meet.”
Harumi paused, thoughtful. “If we do this right, we can support him—and he can help us reach overseas audiences.”
She looked at the two men. “But only if you’re ready to take care of him properly. Not just as an artist, but as a person.”
Maoto nodded slowly. “We should find out what he wants. What he’s looking for in a new home.”
Later that afternoon, a follow-up email arrived with the plane tickets and hotel itinerary.
They had no idea just how much this meeting would change their lives—or his.