03
Jason leaned against the doorway and sipped his coffee, nonchalantly watching Tae Hyun frantically toss another shirt onto the growing pile beside him. Thick fingers of bright, mid-morning sunshine reached through the gaps in the blinds, illuminating the clutter he’d piled on their bed.
“It has to be here,” Tae Hyun muttered with a frustrated huff. He spun on his heel, scanning the room with eyes that darted from the closet door to the open suitcase at the foot of the bed.
“Tae Hyun.” Jason’s soothing calm nearly withered in the face of Tae Hyun’s spiraling anxiety. “What’s the emergency?”
“My bracelet!” Tae Hyun threw his hands up in exasperation. “The one with the blue charm? Where is it?”
Jason scratched the back of his head, his confusion creasing his forehead. “I don’t remember that one.”
“You don’t remember it?” Tae Hyun’s frustration erupted. “Yun Seo gave it to me before my first Seoul show. I can’t perform without it!”
Jason fought the smile threatening to emerge, not wanting Tae Hyun to completely lose it. “Come on, Tae Hyun. You don’t really need it to be amazing, do you?”
“That’s not the point,” Tae Hyun growled as he dug another shirt from his suitcase. He was supposed to be packing, Jason didn’t say, not unpacking. “It’s still–” He trailed off, the silence thick with frantic emotion. “–important.”
Jason pushed off the doorframe and crossed the room, putting his hand on Tae Hyun’s shoulder. “Okay, okay. How about I look for it while you finish packing?”
Tae Hyun frowned. “What if you can’t find it?”
“If it’s in here, I’ll find it,” Jason patiently assured him. “And I’ll send it to you as soon as I do.”
Tae Hyun dramatically scoffed and tore another shirt from his suitcase. “See? You’re not even taking this seriously.”
“You’re taking this seriously enough for the both of us,” Jason replied, nearing the limits of his patience. “It’s just a bracelet.”
“It’s not about the fucking bracelet!” Tae Hyun huffed and tossed his shirt on the pile. “It’s because we’ll be on opposite sides of the world tomorrow.”
Of course. Tae Hyun had been sensitive about spending time apart ever since Kbr’s kidnapping attempt. But Jason understood that well enough after his vow to never let Tae Hyun out of his sight again. And, like most of the vows he’d made, he was about to break it.
Jason lovingly wrapped his arms around Tae Hyun, ignoring the stiffening in his shoulders. “It’s only temporary. And you’ll be surrounded by security everywhere you go. No one will ever get near you who’s not allowed.”
Tae Hyun’s rigid stance melted a bit as he leaned back into Jason’s grasp. “I know. It’s just that–” He paused for a shaky breath. “This is my first time back in Tokyo since Chang Min. And it’ll be harder to deal with that if you’re not there.”
They’d already talked about the issue when they’d secured the venue. Tokyo was where Tae Hyun discovered that his former lover and group member had been cheating on him. That discovery blew Tae Hyun’s life apart and spelled the end for his K-pop supergroup XTC . But that had been years ago, and Tae Hyun had since claimed he was ready to put it all behind him and return to Tokyo. They still made sure to put him in another hotel to minimize any unhappy reminders. But the show was at the same venue, the Guardian Skylight Arena in Shibuya.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s stressful. But you know I’m just a phone call away if you–” Jason was cut short by his buzzing phone. His lips tightened, annoyance briefly flashing across his face. He silenced the call without a word before slipping the phone back into his pocket. He’d already gotten so many calls that morning–mainly from Naomi. It felt like every five minutes, another fire demanded his attention. “Sorry. Anyway, if you need me, just call, and I’ll–”
Jason’s phone buzzed again.
Tae Hyun’s sigh was heavy with resignation. “Just take the call. It’s probably Naomi again.” He turned away, the hug forgotten, and began refolding a shirt with sharp, mechanical movements.
Jason scowled. Plucking the phone from his pocket, he answered without bothering to check the caller ID. “What?”
“Oh, sorry.” Naomi didn’t sound sorry at all. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Yes.”
Naomi dramatically sighed. “Jason, this is important. The press is hounding me, and I’ve got bankers up my ass. I need you to–”
“No,” Jason cut in with a whip-crack denial. “I just need one fucking day, Naomi. All that shit can wait for one more fucking day.”
“Jason–”
“I’m serious.” Finally at the end of his patience, Jason’s words were razor-sharp.
“We haven’t even signed the contract yet.” Naomi sounded more unsure than Jason was used to. “I can’t–”
Jason scoffed. “Are you really about to tell me what you can’t do, Ms. Bell?”
Naomi briefly went silent. “Okay, fine. Call me once you’ve dropped Tae Hyun at the airport. I’ll leave you be until then.”
Jason didn’t even say goodbye, disconnecting with an irritated huff. His jaw clenched as he shoved the phone back into his pocket.
“Everything okay?” Tae Hyun asked, his back still turned.
“No. Yeah. I don’t fucking know.” Jason slumped on the bed, pushing aside a pile of clothes with another huff. He ran a hand through his hair, spiraling with helpless frustration. “How the fuck am I supposed to run a billion-dollar business?” He sighed as the crushing weight of unwanted responsibility pressed on his shoulders. “Maybe I’ll just come with you after all.”
Tae Hyun turned, his expression softened by the concern in his eyes. “See, that’s why I wanted to postpone the tour.”
“You’re right. Let’s do it!” Jason sat up, letting a surge of desperate hope override his reason. “We’ll postpone the tour and just take off somewhere nobody can find us and let all this shit sort itself out. We could go back to Thailand.”
Tae Hyun’s frown deepened. “Jason, we can’t–”
“You’re right, you’re right. That’s too obvious. They’d totally find us there.” Jason deflated, anxiously seeking an alternative. “ Maybe Mexico? I think I own a house there now.”
“I meant, we can’t postpone the tour.” Tae Hyun gently squeezed Jason’s hand, settling beside him. “You were right when you said that yesterday. Too many people are relying on it. I’m just being childish about going back to Tokyo. I’ll be fine.”
Jason absolutely wanted to let everything go right then–to escape the pressure of it all. The old Jason definitely would have, drowning his worries at some dive bar in a haze of alcohol and bad choices. But the old Jason didn’t have Tae Hyun and everything they meant to each other. “You will be. I’m still not sure about me.”
“You’ll be fine, too. You’ve got Naomi.”
Jason nodded, ignoring the sharp pang of guilt at how he’d just spoken to her. Then again, asking for one last day to spend with the man he loved was hardly asking for the moon. “And you’ve got Mina.”
Tae Hyun’s smile at the mention of his tour manager brought a welcome burst of relief. Hiring Mina had been one of Jason’s smartest decisions in years. She was Korean-American like him, which let her bridge the gap between both cultures. And her knowledge of the industry was top-notch. But what had really sold him was the way she listened and the sharp look in her eyes when she spotted a problem others missed. Mina just got it. No judgments, no attempts to micromanage. Just a quiet confidence that made Jason believe that things wouldn’t crumble around him as soon as Tae Hyun walked out the door. Not entirely, anyway.
Jason returned Tae Hyun’s smile, squeezing his hand as his heart ached with a fresh burst of affection. He reached for Tae Hyun’s cheek with his free hand, offering a gentle caress. “ You really think we can do this?”
Tae Hyun’s ears turned pink as he nodded. “We’ve been through worse.”
Jason moved his hand to Tae Hyun’s chin, balancing it on his finger while he brushed it with his thumb. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
Tae Hyun’s ears went utterly red as his cheeks darkened to match. “You could always tell me again, just to be sure.”
Jason wryly smiled before he dipped his head, seeking Tae Hyun’s lips. The connection was a live wire sparking along Jason’s spine. No matter how many times they kissed, it was always a revelation. Tae Hyun gasped as his hand tangled in Jason’s hair, his fingers clenching. Jason savored the press of Tae Hyun’s tongue against his and the intoxicating scent that was uniquely his–a musky sweetness designed especially for him. Jason’s hand drifted to Tae Hyun’s thigh, promising more than just a kiss. But the harsh reality was that there was no time for more. They’d already used precious minutes Tae Hyun needed to pack with their mutual tantrums. With a frustrated groan, he tore himself away.
Tae Hyun’s fingers lingered in Jason’s hair before he pulled his hand back. “I wish we had one more day.”
Jason swallowed hard, pushing down a rising tide of melancholy before it overwhelmed him. “Me, too. Do you need help packing? If not, I still gotta–”
Tae Hyun cut him off with a quick chuckle. “No, please don’t help. Go work out.”
Jason kissed Tae Hyun’s cheek before rising and heading for the bedroom door. He stopped, flashing Tae Hyun another smile, before going downstairs to the gym.
Jason didn’t have time for a full workout, so he spent an hour on the treadmill, getting lost in Boy With No Shame as it blasted in his earbuds on repeat. He had no shame about his love for Tae Hyun’s music. He’d been a fan long before reuniting with the idol. But living with and loving him gave the songs a special meaning. When he finished, he checked his messages before hitting the shower. True to her word, Naomi hadn’t bothered him again since he’d called her out on it.
After cleaning up and changing, Jason went to the kitchen. With no time to cook, he microwaved a pair of frozen burritos. While he officially had a kitchen staff now, they worked at the mansion. And he’d given them the week off while he worked out what to do about his family home anyway. In fact, he’d given the entire house staff the week off except for the groundskeepers and security team. Paid, of course, since he could afford it.
Jason practically had to force-feed Tae Hyun his burrito before ushering him into the shower. But Tae Hyun had managed to pack all four suitcases despite the time he lost looking for his bracelet. The rest of his clothes were already in Tokyo, flown there with his tour wardrobe and equipment. While Tae Hyun showered, Jason helped the waiting Song brothers transfer the bags to the SUV parked in the drive. Then, he returned to the bedroom to collect Tae Hyun. After promising to look for the missing charm bracelet again, Jason took Tae Hyun’s hand and led him outside.
The drive to Van Nuys was almost a blur. The Bel Air hills whipped past Jason’s window as Seong Hyeon drove them up the 405 in the sparse, late-morning traffic. Tae Hyun spent half the time looking at his phone and the rest holding Jason’s hand. And Jason silently willed the clock to slow–or, at least, for Seong Hyeon to go slower–and stretch out his remaining time before Tae Hyun left.
Once they pulled alongside the waiting plane, Jason knew there was no stopping time. But he got a silent thrill at Tae Hyun’s bemused expression as he climbed from the SUV.
“I still can’t believe you own a plane now.”
Jason snorted. “Two, actually.”
“What?” Tae Hyun’s bewildered frown disappeared with his dawning realization. “Oh, your father’s. Still, isn’t this a bit much?”
Jason casually shrugged, hopefully hiding his unease. It was never a problem to shrug that sort of thing off when it was his father’s shit. But it was his now. All of it. Including two planes. “It’s cheaper than chartering a new flight. And it’ll just sit here, otherwise.” He reached for Tae Hyun’s hand, a simple touch meant to say more than words. “And you’re worth it.”
Tae Hyun softly huffed with an almost automatic dismissal. “I’m not–”
Jason silenced him with a finger to his lips. He’d seen Tae Hyun’s expression as he led him around the Bel Air mansion. He’d heard Tae Hyun’s muttered comments about needless extravagance. He may have been an idol, but he still came from much humbler beginnings than Jason. “You’re a global superstar leaving to headline a solo world tour. And, more importantly–” He paused, letting the words hang heavy. “–you’re the man I love.”
Tae Hyun’s shy, embarrassed smile warmed Jason’s heart almost to bursting. “I love you, too, hyung.” His gaze lingered for a long, delicious moment before he turned toward his luggage. “Seong Min, could you–”
“Actually,” Jason interrupted, “I’m sure Seong Hyeon wouldn’t mind helping with that. I’d like a minute with Seong Min.”
Tae Hyun didn’t roll his eyes, but Jason could see the stifled response. He knew what Jason planned to tell Seong Min. For that matter, Seong Min probably already knew, too. But that didn’t erase the need for Jason to say it.
Tae Hyun nodded, grabbing a suitcase handle. Seong Hyeon offered Jason a simple nod before picking up two more suitcases and following Tae Hyun up the stairs onto the jet. Jason turned to Seong Min, who stood by his side, his expression etched with quiet determination.
“I won’t let you down, sir,” Seong Min announced with unwavering certainty.
Jason nodded. “You never have. And you’ve earned more than my trust. You’ve also earned my respect.”
Genuine surprise and gratitude softened Seong Min’s expression before he deeply bowed. “Thank you, Mr. Park, sir.”
Jason swallowed his annoyance at Seong Min’s automatic deference. After all, it was part of the package. “Yeah, yeah, you can spare me all that. And you already know how important Tae Hyun is to me. But let me make it crystal clear. Your priority is his safety. Period.”
Seong Min’s gaze immediately sharpened. “Yes, sir.”
“Mina manages the tour. That’s her domain. But when it comes to Tae Hyun’s protection–” Jason’s expression hardened. “–what you say goes. Do whatever you think is necessary, even if it means canceling a show.”
Seong Min raised a single eyebrow. “Anything, sir?”
“Anything.” Jason met his gaze with fierce determination. “And I want eyes on him at all times. Preferably yours.”
Seong Min’s posture stiffened, almost like he was about to salute Jason. But he merely nodded. “I understand, sir.”
“Good.” Jason relaxed his face into a friendly smile as he clapped Seong Min’s shoulder. “Now, can you get that last suitcase?”
Seong Min’s mouth twitched with a hint of a smile. “Of course, sir.”
Jason let Seong Min grab Tae Hyun’s last suitcase before following him to the plane. Smaller than a passenger plane, it was still large for a business jet, allowing for long-distance travel like crossing the Pacific. He’d never been aboard. His father had bought it long after Jason struck out on his own. And he had no idea how much it cost–or even a frame of reference. But it meant Tae Hyun would only be traveling with Seong Min and the plane’s crew. At least Tae Hyun and Seong Min got along really well.
Tae Hyun stood at the rear of the main cabin, speaking with one of the flight attendants. Jason caught his eye, earning him another embarrassed grin.
“Excuse me, Mr. Park.”
Jason turned to see the pilot behind him. “What’s up?”
“We’ll need to taxi to the runway soon to keep to our flight plan. I’m afraid that means you’ll have to deboard.”
Jason wanted to protest, but there was no putting off the inevitable. It was time for Tae Hyun to leave. “Alright. Gimme two minutes, and I’m gone.”
The pilot offered a quick nod before returning to the cockpit. Jason approached Tae Hyun, who stood holding a half-full champagne flute. “They’re giving me the boot, so I guess this is it.”
Tae Hyun quickly set his glass down and wrapped Jason in a firm embrace. “I’m going to miss you, hyung. ”
Jason enthusiastically returned the hug, relishing in Tae Hyun’s warmth and enjoying a last whiff of his scent. “I’m gonna miss you, too. But I’ll see you as soon as I get everything taken care of here. Okay?”
“I know.” Tae Hyun squeezed Jason again. Then he surprised him with a quick kiss, something he usually wouldn’t do in front of others. “I love you. Now, go.”
Jason reluctantly let his arms fall. “I love you, too.” He let his gaze linger for a few moments more before turning toward the cabin door. Seong Min offered Jason a confident nod as he walked by. He’d barely made it three steps from the stairs before a flight attendant retracted them and closed the door. He kept going, not looking back until he reached Seong Hyeon, standing beside the open passenger door of their SUV. Jason quietly snorted as he climbed inside. Seong Hyeon only made him sit in front when he wanted to talk. Seong Hyeon closed Jason’s door, dulling the plane’s jet engine scream. Once in the driver’s seat, Seong Hyeon started the engine, letting it idle as the plane slowly taxied toward the runway.
“They’re gonna be okay, right?” Jason hadn’t meant his question to sound so hesitant, but there was no taking it back.
“Yes, sir.” Seong Hyeon, for his part, sounded utterly sure of himself. “I have every confidence.” He put the truck in drive and pulled away, heading for the airport exit. “I saw you speaking with my brother.”
“Just reminding him of what’s at stake.”
Seong Hyeon pursed his lips enough for Jason to catch it from the corner of his eye. “Are you concerned about Seong Min?”
Jason shook his head. “No way. He’s the perfect man for this job.” He turned toward the airport as they sped away, hoping to glimpse Tae Hyun’s plane taking off. “But Tae Hyun is who he is.”
Seong Hyeon nodded. “Of course, sir. I understand. And I appreciate your faith in my brother’s abilities.”
Jason frowned, catching Seong Hyeon’s obvious omission. “But?”
“Well, sir. We’ve had–” Seong Hyeon paused, drawing out the drama of what he was about to say. “–disagreements about what’s important.”
Jason turned away before Seong Hyeon caught him rolling his eyes. “If this is about Seoul, I already apologized for that.”
“You did, sir. And I understand why you acted the way you did. But your security needs have dramatically changed.” Seong Hyeon paused again, letting his unspoken thoughts dangle between them. “I need to know if you have the same faith in me.”
Jason turned back to Seong Hyeon. His typically impassive expression gave nothing away. “What’s this about? Is there anything I need to worry about?”
“No, sir. But I–” Seong Hyeon trailed off, leaving Jason hanging.
Jason huffed, unable to contain his sudden frustration. “For fuck’s sake, Seong Hyeon. I know you like to do your strong, stoic thing. But, just this once, could you drop the formality and just tell me what the fuck’s on your mind?”
Seong Hyeon pursed his lips again, as close to a dramatic reaction as Jason had ever seen from him. “Very well. You’re reactionary and hot-headed, sir. And you’re also a chaebol now, which makes you a much bigger target than before. Unless you want Mr. Woo to endure what you did when he was taken in Seoul, you must be smarter about how you act.”
Jason listened to Seong Hyeon’s outburst with his brows aloft. His security chief hadn’t raised his voice, but it was one of the few times Jason could recall being candidly scolded like that. He chuckled, impressed. “I wish you always talked to me that way.”
“Sir, if you’re not going to take this seriously–”
“No, no,” Jason interrupted, waving off Seong Hyeon’s protest. “I hear you. And I get what you’re saying.” He’d asked the man to speak plainly and got exactly that. The last thing he needed was to insult the person keeping him safe. “Alright. I’ll tell you the same thing I told your brother. When it comes to my protection, what you say goes. Good enough?”
Seong Hyeon, against all Jason’s expectations, cracked a smile. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
Jason relaxed in his seat, wondering if he’d regret empowering Seong Hyeon like that. Then again, he was probably right. Jason’s father had been surrounded by security guards for as long as Jason could remember. Before he’d moved out, Jason had even had a team trailing him everywhere he went. Returning to that life–where he was constantly under watch and never in control–was secretly one of his biggest fears. People often imagined that having so much wealth was liberating. And there was no denying that it made many things so much easier. But it also came with impressive constraints.
Jason wistfully smiled as he remembered his first sort-of date with Tae Hyun, where they’d snuck off and gone to the Hanok Village. Even then, someone had tipped off the paparazzi to their presence. Doing something like that again had become impossible. Just like sneaking off to an anonymous Van Nuys dive bar to quietly drink away his troubles was impossible. He may not have asked for it, but it was his reality. He’d just have to figure out a way to live with it.