12
The clock beside Tae Hyun’s bed flashed the time, mocking him as he lay there, dead tired but wide awake. His exhaustion battled with the relentless anxiety that coiled in his gut. His stomach churned, his fingers trembling as he swiped at his phone, scrolling through the onslaught of headlines. Each one was a fresh stab of humiliation, twisting his name and Ren’s into a lurid tale of betrayal and broken promises. The photos made it worse–grainy phone camera images of their stroll through Harajuku, innocent laughter transformed into a knowing leer under the glare of the tabloids.
The worst part was the shame. How could he have been naive enough to think he was above the fray, immune to the chaotic whims of the media and his fans? He’d let the honeymoon period after announcing his relationship with Jason lull him into a false sense of security and lowered his defenses. Not that he was trying to take on all the blame–the responsibility for the fallout of the Kbr mess rested squarely with Pak Jun Ho and his psychotic minion, Choo Ji Hoon. But he was definitely at fault for agreeing to sneak away with Ren, naively thinking he wouldn’t be recognized in Harajuku’s crowded streets. The photos on his phone screen were proof of his hubris. Even after everything he’d been through, after surviving the orchestrated attacks of his forced outing, did he still not understand the power of a malicious rumor? How easily a single image could be twisted to destroy reputations and break hearts? He’d assured Ren the night before that everything would be alright, but his lingering doubt left a bitter taste in his mouth.
A soft chime cut through the silence, announcing a text from Jason. Just three words. I’m almost there .
Tae Hyun’s heart hammered against his ribs as he checked the time. How had an hour slipped by so quickly? He scrambled from the rumpled sheets, racing for the shower to use his precious few minutes to ready himself for Jason’s arrival. He’d been surprised to get Jason’s call the night before and stunned by his declaration.
“I’m coming,” a harried Jason shared, more exhausted than determined. “I’m coming to Tokyo. I saw the story. We’ve gotta stop whatever this is before it turns into another Kbr situation.”
“Hyung, I–” The words caught in Tae Hyun’s throat.
“I know. It’s all bullshit. But it’s the bullshit we’ve got to deal with.” Jason huffed. “Look, I gotta go. We’ll talk when I get there, yeah?”
“I love you, hyung.”
“I love you, too,” Jason replied, surprisingly tender, before hanging up.
Tae Hyun had barely gotten a word in, but he didn’t mind. Having Jason there would make things so much better.
A sharp knock startled Tae Hyun from his thoughts. He rushed to the door, barely taking the time to wrap a towel around his waist. There Jason stood, travel-worn and weary. But the relief in his eyes was a beacon cutting through the previous day’s gloom. Without a word, Jason swept him into a fierce embrace. He buried his head into Jason’s neck, inhaling the familiar scent of cologne and a hint of cigarettes and whiskey, seeking a momentary refuge.
“I missed you,” Jason breathed. He tightened his grip as if trying to physically absorb Tae Hyun into himself, to protect him from the storm raging around them. “Are you okay?”
Tae Hyun enjoyed Jason’s pleasant warmth against his body, a bit of relief from the familiar ache of longing that never fully faded. It was almost enough to make him forget the weight of what was yet to come. He clung to Jason, desperate for the comfort only his presence could provide. “I missed you, too, hyung. And I’m okay.” The words only felt half true, but he needed this. He needed the strength of Jason’s arms around him. He pulled Jason into the room, closing the door behind them. “Now, come in here so I can properly say hello.”
Jason followed Tae Hyun into the suite, dropping his bags beside him and letting the door swing shut. He felt almost weightless in the sanctuary of Jason’s arms. Jason slid his hands down his bare back in silent reassurance. “I missed you so much,” he murmured, lightly pressing his forehead against Tae Hyun’s temple.
Tae Hyun closed his eyes, letting the warmth of Jason’s touch seep into his body. The lingering dread loosened its grip as he focused on Jason’s fingers tracing patterns on his skin, the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat against his ear.
“I need you,” Tae Hyun whispered, quiet against his pounding pulse. The words were both a plea and a confession.
Jason’s hands briefly tightened. Then he gently cupped Tae Hyun’s face, tilting his head up. His dark eyes searched Tae Hyun’s, mirroring the vulnerability and the unwavering love he found. “I’m here.” He leaned in, his lips meeting Tae Hyun’s with a desperate tenderness.
The kiss was a bridge between the turmoil of the outside world and the safety they sought within each other. Urgency mingled with desperation as Jason’s hands found the curves of Tae Hyun’s ass, pulling him closer. Tae Hyun responded with a low moan, a ragged breath slipping from his lips as he combed his fingers through Jason’s hair. When they finally broke apart, it was with a shared understanding. Words could wait. This was their haven, a moment desperately claimed in the face of the scandal waiting beyond this room.
“No.” Breathless from their kiss, Tae Hyun reached for the towel wrapped around his waist and let it fall to the floor. “I need you. Now.”
The discarded towel landed on the plush carpet with a soft thump. Jason’s gaze swept down Tae Hyun’s body, a flare of raw hunger flashing in his eyes when they landed on his throbbing cock. He stepped close, his fingers drawing a feather-light path along Tae Hyun’s jawline. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, low and husky with desire.
A shiver ran down Tae Hyun’s spine under the spark of Jason’s touch. He pressed their bodies together. “Make me feel it,” he commanded, his eyes locked with Jason’s. His hands found their way under the hem of Jason’s shirt, running along his tightly-muscled abdomen, thrilled with how Jason’s body responded to his touch.
Jason reached out, his fingers finding the lines of tension imprinted across Tae Hyun’s shoulders, silently acknowledging his burdens. With careful movements, he eased Tae Hyun onto the bed and knelt before him. Tae Hyun closed his eyes as Jason’s warm mouth engulfed him. He sighed, his frenzied desire pushing him to surrender. Then he grabbed hold of Jason’s head and began to guide him up and then down, holding him in place when his mouth reached the base of Tae Hyun’s cock. Jason soon let out a muffled groan, and Tae Hyun released him. Jason quickly lifted his head, grinning as a dribble of spit ran down his chin.
“Someone’s feeling bossy.”
Tae Hyun shook his head. “No, not bossy. Desperate.” He grabbed Jason by his shirt and yanked him close. Their lips met with a hungry intensity, exchanging all the pent-up longing and unspoken desire. Tae Hyun moaned, low and deep, as Jason playfully attacked the spot on his neck just below his ear.
“Hyung,” Tae Hyun gasped. “That tickles.”
Jason chuckled, the vibration tingling against Tae Hyun’s skin. “I thought you were desperate?”
“I am,” Tae Hyun moaned. “Don’t stop.”
Jason gently guided Tae Hyun back until he lay on the bed. Then he eagerly stripped off his shirt before reaching for his pants and sliding them down. “Oh, I’m just getting started.” He slid his boxer briefs down next, allowing his cock to spring free. Then he silently maneuvered Tae Hyun onto his stomach before straddling his legs, his strong hands reaching for Tae Hyun’s tense shoulders.
Tae Hyun obeyed and sank into the soft bed. He quietly sighed as Jason’s hands started their magic. The tension began to ease with each kneading motion. He closed his eyes, savoring the feel of Jason’s touch–the firm pressure, the warmth radiating from his palms. Frantic with worry just moments before, his mind quieted with each gentle touch. Images of the scandal, the lurking doubt, and the conversation still to come began to fade. Replacing them was the simple, grounding sensation of Jason’s hands on his body.
“Better?”
Tae Hyun could barely speak. “So much better.”
Jason chuckled, low and breathy, lifting his weight off Tae Hyun as he scooted backward. Was that it? He could’ve laid there all day while Jason worked on–
“Hyung!” Tae Hyun cried out as Jason’s tongue poked between his legs. A surprised jolt shot through him, followed by a surge of blissful relief. His body began to loosen, to yield under Jason’s expert ministrations. Jason seemed to sense the shift, his tongue movements becoming rhythmic and soothing. Tae Hyun sighed as his body melted into Jason’s touch.
Jason shifted again, gently kissing his way from Tae Hyun’s ass to his lower back and settling between his shoulder blades. Then Tae Hyun felt a gentle pressure against his ass, the muscles twitching in response.
“Do you want it?”
Tae Hyun nodded against the mattress. “I want it, hyung.” He let out a low moan, as much from pleasure as his lingering tension, as Jason’s cock slipped inside. Then Jason began to thrust, the rhythm steady and hypnotic. Tae Hyun’s mind drifted, his troubles fading as he focused on Jason gently fucking him–the warmth, the strength, the unspoken affection.
Jason leaned forward, pressing his chest against Tae Hyun’s back. He increased the pressure of his thrusts, his hot breath curling against Tae Hyun’s neck with every grunt.
“Yes, hyung,” Tae Hyun moaned. “Fuck me just like that.”
Jason bore down hard, and Tae Hyun almost saw stars. “Like this? ”
With a sharp gasp, Tae Hyun yielded to Jason, surrendering completely, utter euphoria overtaking him. “Yes! Just like that. Don’t stop!”
Jason grunted as he pounded Tae Hyun with hungry intensity, pushing him further onto the bed. Tae Hyun wrapped his arms in the bedsheets and held tight, basking in the warmth of bare skin on his back. Jason’s breath echoed in his ear as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him. He arched his back, his anxieties and fears banished with a jolt of pure delight.
“I’m gonna cum,” Jason muttered.
“Do it, hyung.”
Tae Hyun was sure anyone walking the halls heard Jason’s animal cry, but he was too transported to care. When Jason finished and Tae Hyun was filled, Jason collapsed onto him, still inside him. Jason’s ragged breath, loud in his ear, mirrored the heartbeat pounding on Tae Hyun’s chest. Tae Hyun hadn’t cum yet, but Jason’s weight atop him was warm and comforting.
“You’re turn,” Jason murmured.
“It’s okay, hyung. I’m–”
Jason quickly pushed himself up. “Oh, no. Don’t think for a second that I’ll leave you hanging. Flip over.”
Jason reached under Tae Hyun and helped him roll onto his back. Then he slid backward far enough to perch behind Tae Hyun’s still-hard cock, slick and glistening with precum. He hungrily licked his lips. “I want that load.”
Jason opened his mouth and swallowed Tae Hyun to the base. Tae Hyun bucked, writhing his hips until Jason firmly held them in place, pumping his head up and down until Tae Hyun could hardly stand it. Then Jason slipped a pair of fingers inside him, pressing on his prostate like a trigger. Tae Hyun exploded, filling Jason’s mouth as fiery ecstasy tore through him.
When Tae Hyun finally finished, Jason slowly pulled off, dragging his tongue along Tae Hyun’s cock to catch any cum he’d missed. He made a show of swallowing it before collapsing onto the bed. Tae Hyun lay sprawled beside him, his heart still pounding, the lingering echo of Jason’s touch still warming his skin.
“I can’t tell you how much I needed that, hyung.”
Flushed and sweating, Jason rolled to retrieve Tae Hyun’s discarded towel from the floor. He used it to gently wipe the sweat from Tae Hyun’s body. “I don’t think you have to. That was–” He trailed off, a wry smile playing on his lips. “–intense.”
Tae Hyun slowly nodded, the weight of the last few days settling back on him. And with it came the inevitable realization–the relief was temporary. The conversation he’d been dreading awaited.
“Hyung,” Tae Hyun began, barely above a whisper. A shadow crossed Jason’s face, mirroring Tae Hyun’s fear. Despite Jason’s reassurances, the doubt still lingered. It was time to clear the air, to face what they’d tried to escape for these precious, stolen moments.
Jason paused his careful cleaning as his eyes met Tae Hyun’s. Then he sat back on his heels. “Yeah,” he said, low and steady, “we should talk about it. So, what happened with Ren? I know it’s not what the blogs said.”
Tae Hyun took a deep breath, the pressure settling on his chest. “It wasn’t what they said at all. Ren and I just walked around Harajuku. We needed to get some air, some space.” He avoided Jason’s gaze, focusing on how the light filtered through the partially open curtains.
“Sure, I get that,” Jason reminded him, his tone calm and even. “I’m the last person to judge someone for taking off in the middle of something. But it’s not like you to do something like that.”
“Things were just–” Tae Hyun paused, fidgeting with the edge of the sheet. “They were tense. There were sound issues during rehearsal, so I didn’t actually miss anything.” He hesitated, something close to defiance rising within him. “And I wanted to do it. You know how much I’ve complained about losing all my friends. I thought it would be nice to spend time with another idol.” He quietly huffed. “There are things you don’t know, hyung. Things you wouldn’t understand about the industry.” It was a dangerous gamble, hinting at secrets without revealing them.
Jason’s brow furrowed. “Okay.”
Tae Hyun met his gaze. “We talked. Ren and I. We just talked. About everything and nothing. We just took a break from the pressure cooker.” He paused, wanting to say more, but held back out of fear and shame. “But it was nice to talk about it with someone who understands.”
Jason watched him intently, his eyes heavy with concern. “Okay.” Then his expression softened, and he reached out, gently squeezing Tae Hyun’s hand. “So, what aren’t you telling me?”
Tae Hyun frowned. “I–” He stopped, his gaze dropping back to the bed sheets. He twisted the fabric between his fingers, unable to get the words out.
“Look.” Jason slowly sighed. “I’m sorry. I can see how tight you’re wound up right now, and I know I should’ve been here for you.” He scoffed. “But no. I was stuck dealing with all the shit my dead father dumped on me instead. If I’d only been here–” He trailed off, angrily shaking his head. “Maybe none of this would’ve happened.”
Tae Hyun flinched. Jason’s assumption was so far from the truth, yet the guilt ate at him. It wasn’t Jason’s fault. “No. It’s not like that. It’s not your fault.”
“Then what is it?” Jason’s brow furrowed. “You can tell me. You know you can.”
Tae Hyun squeezed his eyes shut, the memory burning a fresh path of humiliation through his mind. When he finally met Jason’s gaze, the words tumbled out in a desperate rush. “Ren kissed me.” He swallowed a surprise burst of nausea. “It didn’t mean anything,” he quickly added, hearing the desperation in his voice. “That’s it. It was nothing.”
Jason’s face flushed a deep red, his pulse throbbing in his temple. “He what?!” The words exploded from Jason’s mouth. “He fucking kissed you?”
“I’m sorry, hyung!” Tae Hyun scrambled to sit up, his hands instinctively reaching for Jason’s arm. “It didn’t mean anything! I pushed him away as soon as he did it, and–”
“And you didn’t tell me?” Jason yanked his arm free of Tae Hyun’s grip, hurt twisting his face before hardening into anger. “Why wouldn’t you fucking tell me about that?”
“I wanted to,” Tae Hyun pleaded, guilt and anxiety coiling in his stomach. “I’d planned to. But you weren’t here, and this whole tabloid rumor came out of nowhere, and–”
“Oh, so now it is my fault?” Jason bitterly laughed. “You’re kinda giving me mixed messages here.”
“No, it’s not your fault!” Tae Hyun desperately cried. Fresh tears blurred his vision. “It’s my fault,” he sobbed. “I should’ve seen what was happening and stopped it. And I was afraid to tell you because I knew you’d get mad and–”
“Wait, wait,” Jason cut in, his anger softening. He took a deep, steadying breath. “I shouldn’t be mad at you. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at him .” He gently squeezed Tae Hyun’s hand. “I’m sorry.”
Tae Hyun’s tears flowed freely, a sob wracking his body. “No, I’m sorry, hyung.”
“I know,” Jason softly replied, his simmering anger overpowered by his concern.
A harsh silence descended on them, punctuated by Tae Hyun’s heavy breathing and the occasional muffled sob. He leaned forward, seeking comfort in the familiar warmth of Jason’s shoulder. The pressure of the last few days still pressed down on him. Jason waited, his fingers gently combing through Tae Hyun’s hair as a silent apology and offering of support.
“I can’t believe he did that,” Jason growled, sharp with a lingering echo of anger.
“He didn’t mean anything by it,” Tae Hyun mumbled against Jason’s shoulder. “Okay, well, maybe he did. But we talked about it, and he apologized. He knows that it wasn’t okay.”
“You still don’t get it?” Jason huffed, frustration mingling with concern. “Do you honestly think you’re the first person he’s done that to?” He shook his head. “Not a fucking chance. If he’d do that to someone in a very public relationship like you are, that means he’s done it before.”
Tae Hyun frowned, his forehead creasing against Jason’s shoulder. Jason was right. He didn’t get it.
“It means that this whole thing with the tabloids has to be from someone else he’s fucked with. Some jealous ex-lover. Like Chang Min. ”
Tae Hyun sat back, his eyes widened with sudden understanding. “Do you really think so?”
“Hell if I know,” Jason admitted, his anger fading into a grim resolve. “But I know someone who probably does.”
Tae Hyun slowly nodded. That time, he understood. He didn’t want to believe the worst of Ren, but he couldn’t ignore Jason’s logic. “We need to talk to him. But, hyung–” He hesitated, carefully choosing his words. “Don’t be too hard on him, okay? I know you’re upset, but I really want a friend like him. Someone who understands what it’s like. Someone who’s been through the same things as me. You know?”
Jason’s expression softened, his gaze meeting Tae Hyun’s with a warmth that melted away the earlier tension. “I know.” He gently brushed the stray hair from Tae Hyun’s forehead. “I’ll do my best. But we need answers. And you deserve friends who respect you.”
Tae Hyun shyly smiled as he leaned in and softly kissed Jason’s cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered. Then he kissed him beside his ear. “And,” he purred, “I think you should let me show you how much I appreciate it. Again.”