17
The Xinyi Dome’s security office felt like a physical manifestation of Jason’s suffocating anxiety. The air was stale, thick with the scent of sweat and cheap coffee–a far cry from the luxurious penthouse suite he shared with Tae Hyun. With Seong Min, Mina, Yun Seo, and Tae Hyun crowded around him, he could barely focus on Seong Hyeon, hunched over the console, fingers dancing across the keyboard in a blur of motion. The bank of security monitors flickered, a chaotic mosaic of grainy images, while the overhead fluorescents relentlessly buzzed, casting a harsh, clinical glow over the cramped space.
Beside him, Tae Hyun tightly gripped his hand, either an offer of or a plea for reassurance that twisted Jason’s heart. He wanted to offer comfort and strength, but all he felt was festering guilt. Damn it. He’d wasted precious time–time that should have been spent enjoying Tae Hyun’s company–dissecting the incident with Ren. He’d let his temper get the better of him, hurling accusations like a petulant child. The memory of Tae Hyun’s hurt, shocked face burned into Jason’s mind, a painful reminder of his own shortcomings.
Jason should have listened to Tae Hyun and trusted his judgment. But the anger had been a familiar beast, easy to unleash but difficult to control. And then the paint attack. The thought that someone had intentionally targeted Tae Hyun and breached their supposedly tight security made his blood boil.
Jason wanted answers. He needed to know who was responsible. But he couldn’t let his anger blind him and risk another outburst that might push Tae Hyun further away. He had to focus and be the support that Tae Hyun so clearly needed. This was about more than just an angry protest now. It was a threat to Tae Hyun’s safety, and that was something Jason wouldn’t tolerate.
“Here we go,” Seong Hyeon announced, his steady baritone cutting through the tense silence. He pointed to the central monitor, where a grainy image flickered to life. “We’ve isolated footage from a camera near the stage. The perpetrator was in the VIP section.”
With a click of Seong Hyeon’s mouse, the image zoomed in, revealing a young man with his face obscured by a mask. He furtively pulled a small balloon from beneath his shirt in a grotesque parody of a magician’s trick. Then, the balloon, filled with red paint, arced through the air before splattering against Tae Hyun’s chest.
“That’s why it was so warm,” Tae Hyun murmured. “He had it under his shirt.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed, a cold fury settling over him. “He had to have a VIP ticket to get that close,” he added, his voice tight.
Seong Hyeon grimly nodded. “Yes, sir. We’ve confirmed his ticket purchase.”
“But how the hell did he get it inside?” Jason loudly demanded.
Seong Hyeon’s jaw tightened. “We’re still investigating, sir. It’s unclear how he managed to bypass security. Everyone entering the venue was searched.”
“Except for me,” Tae Hyun interjected.
The room fell silent, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, amplifying the tension. Jason frowned as the truth dawned on him. “He’s right,” he growled, a cold fury settling over him. “No one searched us. The talent, the crew–we were all waved through.”
Seong Hyeon solemnly nodded. “Indeed, sir.”
Mina let out a choked gasp that echoed through the cramped office. “An inside job?” she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief and anger. “Someone on our team did this?”
“We don’t know that,” Seong Hyeon replied. “But we can certainly remedy that going forward.”
Mina huffed. “Oh, great. That’ll throw off all our schedules.”
“Don’t forget the venue staff, too,” Yun Seo added.
Seong Hyeon nodded. “We’ve been relying on the venues to police their own staff. Perhaps that should change.”
“No,” Tae Hyun announced, his tone strong and decidedly firm. “That’s too much.”
Jason’s automatic response was to disagree. Nothing that protected Tae Hyun was too much. He couldn’t imagine the violation Tae Hyun must have felt after the attack. Whoever was behind it needed to pay, but not at the expense of Tae Hyun’s peace of mind. He gave Tae Hyun’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“He’s right,” Jason calmly but firmly agreed. He looked at Tae Hyun with a silent message of understanding. Internally, he wrestled with the decision. He longed to lock Tae Hyun away, shielded from the world’s cruelty. But that wasn’t fair to him or the fans who adored him. They’d find another way to protect him that didn’t compromise the magic of his performances. “We have to draw the line somewhere.”
Tae Hyun lovingly smiled, squeezing Jason’s hand in return. “Thanks, hyung.”
Mina sighed. “Well, I’ll talk to the crew leaders tonight and let them know we’ll be tightening our backstage security, at least for the time being.” She glanced up at the clock. “In fact, I should do that now before it gets too late.” She put a comforting hand on Tae Hyun’s shoulder. “You’re good?”
Tae Hyun nodded. “I am, thank you.”
As Mina made her exit, Jason turned to Seong Hyeon, filled with a quiet urgency. “Handle this as best you can,” he instructed. “I want our security doubled, tripled if you can manage it. But be discreet. No one panics, and no one outside this room knows more than they need to.”
Seong Hyeon frowned. “No one, sir?”
“Nobody that you don’t absolutely trust.”
Seong Hyeon nodded. “Consider it done, sir. I’ll send you back to the hotel with my brother.”
Minutes later, they were whisked away from the bustling Xinyi Dome. Tae Hyun leaned back against the plush leather seat in back of the SUV, his eyes closed, the calm smoothing his features. Jason watched him, his conflicting feelings waging a silent battle inside.
Jason reached out, his fingers lightly tracing the back of Tae Hyun’s hand, a surge of pride warming him. The memory of Tae Hyun commanding the stage, turning a moment of potential disaster into an act of defiant beauty, filled him with awe .
“You were incredible tonight,” Jason murmured. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Tae Hyun opened his eyes, a tired smile on his lips. “Thank you, hyung. I couldn’t have done it without you.” He squeezed Jason’s hand, the simple gesture a powerful affirmation of their love.
Jason returned the squeeze, his thumb gently brushing against Tae Hyun’s skin. “You know I’m always here for you, right?” He meant it with every fiber of his being, ignoring the shadow of unease still lingering at the edges of his mind. Ren’s face, his too-bright smile, his calculated words–they haunted Jason’s thoughts. But Tae Hyun had made it clear that he wanted Ren as a friend. Jason had to find a way to deal with it. He wouldn’t let his jealousy and insecurities jeopardize what they had.
Yet, as Tae Hyun leaned his head against Jason’s shoulder, that unease remained. He wouldn’t voice his doubts when Tae Hyun needed his support. But the seed of suspicion had been planted, a tiny thorn in the otherwise perfect rose of their reunion.
The SUV pulled to a stop at the Xinyi Grand Hotel’s private VIP entrance, and Andre escorted the pair to the penthouse level. The opulence of the penthouse suite, with its panoramic views and luxurious furnishings, felt surprisingly cold and sterile. It was a reminder of the vast gulf between their public personas and the messy reality of their lives.
Tae Hyun led Jason through the sprawling suite to their bedroom, his movements slow and deliberate as if weighed down by the day’s events. He paused at the edge of the bed, concern in his eyes as he began to take off his clothes.
“Hyung,” Tae Hyun began, calm and quiet. “How are you holding up? I feel like today’s been all about me.”
Jason was taken aback but touched by Tae Hyun’s genuine concern for him. He offered a reassuring smile. “I’m fine,” he replied as he undressed. “Just tired.” Not exactly a lie, but definitely not the whole truth.
But Tae Hyun wasn’t fooled. He reached out, grabbing the covers and pulling them back. “Talk to me,” he said as he climbed into bed. “I want to know what’s going on with you, too. We haven’t talked about you or Brightstar at all since you got here.”
Apart from his recent chat with Naomi, Jason had hardly thought of Brightstar since getting the call from Danny Crash. But Tae Hyun’s invitation gently nudged open the door to the worries that had been chewing on him. He hesitated, unsure of how to even begin. But Tae Hyun’s eyes, warm and inviting, held no judgment, only love.
Jason climbed onto the bed, snuggling close to Tae Hyun, who snuck his arm around Jason’s shoulder and pulled him close. It was a reverse of their usual cuddle position, but Jason would’ve been lying to say he didn’t like it.
“It’s a lot,” Jason began. “Boardrooms, contracts, and corporate politics.” He took a deep breath, the words pouring out in a rush. “I never wanted this. I never wanted to be the one making decisions that affect the lives and livelihoods of who knows how many people. I just want to be an actor and tell stories. I just want to be with you.”
Tae Hyun reached out, his fingers gently tracing the worry lines on Jason’s forehead. “You’re more than just an actor, hyung.” His soft voice hummed in his chest. “You’re capable, intelligent, and you care. So much.”
Jason closed his eyes, soothed by Tae Hyun’s gentle touch. “ I don’t feel capable,” he admitted. “I never have. I feel lost. My father was a shark. I’m not like that.”
Tae Hyun pulled him tighter, his grip warm and reassuring. “No, you’re a wolf, hyung. You care deeply. And you never hesitate to step in when someone you love is in trouble. You have a good heart, and that’s what matters.” He squeezed Jason again. “We’ll figure this out together. You and me. Just like always.”
Jason leaned into Tae Hyun’s grasp, a sense of peace settling over him for the first time in days. Maybe, he thought as he fell asleep, he really could do this.
Jason woke with a start, blinking against the morning sunlight streaming through the penthouse windows. He felt more rested than he had in days, the weight of his worries momentarily lifted by a night of peaceful slumber in Tae Hyun’s arms. He glanced over at his sleeping boyfriend, the gentle rise and fall of his chest a soothing rhythm. He couldn’t resist reaching out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Tae Hyun’s forehead.
Their morning routine was a comfortable dance of shared space and unspoken understanding. Breakfast was a mostly quiet affair, their companionable silence broken only by mundane chat about the details of the day’s schedule. Neither of them brought up any of the previous day’s events, holding to a silent agreement to focus on the day ahead.
As they arrived at the Xinyi Dome, the scene outside was noticeably different. Protesters, now confined behind temporary fencing and under the watchful eyes of uniformed officers, continued their chants and waved their hateful signs. Seong Hyeon, true to his word, had set up additional security checkpoints in the loading dock, checking the bags and clothing of tour staff as they reported for duty.
After walking Tae Hyun to his dressing room, Jason left him to get ready and made his way towards the stage. Ren was already there, his voice echoing through the empty arena as he ran through a vocal warm-up. Jason watched from the wings, his back tightening with unease. But he couldn’t dispute the idol’s undeniable chemistry and stage presence, the raw charisma that Tae Hyun had clearly been drawn to.
As if sensing Jason’s eyes on him, Ren made a beeline for him the moment he stepped offstage, a bright smile plastered on his face. “Hey, Jason!” he exclaimed, a bit too loud and enthusiastic. “Looking sharp today!”
Jason managed a tight smile, swallowing the automatic retort that bubbled to his lips. “Thanks.” The last thing he wanted was a one-on-one with his would-be rival.
But Ren didn’t seem to take the hint. “Did you two get any sleep last night?” He winked, nudging Jason with his shoulder. “Or, was it all fucking?”
Jason quietly huffed, guarding himself from letting Ren push his buttons. “We slept fine, thanks.” He deliberately stepped back, distancing himself from the infuriatingly charming idol.
Ren didn’t miss a beat, taking Jason’s brush off in stride. “I’ll bet, after everything that happened yesterday.” His expression shifted, furrowed brows briefly replacing his breezy smile. “I can hardly believe someone did that to Tae Hyun.” He snorted. “You know what’s funny? I have an all-white outfit, too. I’m glad that didn’t happen during my set.” He knowingly smirked. “White’s not exactly forgiving.”
Jason bristled at Ren’s insensitive joke, tightly squeezing his hand into a fist, more to put his irritation somewhere besides his face than to throw a punch. He was ready for that, too. But he knew Ren was trying to provoke him and wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
Thankfully, Tae Hyun appeared backstage, a whirlwind of energy and sunshine that saved Jason from having to respond. Ren’s focus instantly shifted, his gaze locking onto Tae Hyun with a possessiveness that sent a chill down Jason’s spine. Jason watched as the two fell into an easy conversation, laughter and jokes flowing between them like a well-rehearsed routine. He wanted to pull Tae Hyun away, to shield him from Ren’s attention. But he’d promised to trust Tae Hyun, to let him navigate his own friendships.
Jason’s gaze hardened as Tae Hyun and Ren continued catching up. He saw the way Ren leaned in. The way his hand brushed against Tae Hyun’s arm. All the casual touches that felt loaded with meaning. He wanted to believe in Tae Hyun, but the image of Ren’s smile, that hint of triumph in his eyes, made it challenging. He had to remind himself of Naomi’s words, of Tae Hyun’s gentle reassurance. But the seed of suspicion, once planted, was proving difficult to uproot. Only Tae Hyun’s occasional loving glances and smiles at Jason kept him from walking away.
“I could see you stewing over here.” Tae Hyun’s voice broke through Jason’s thoughts. He’d somehow pulled himself from Ren’s orbit, a mischievous smile on his lips as he leaned in to kiss Jason’s cheek. “But I doubt Ren noticed.”
“I doubt Ren notices anything but himself,” Jason grumbled, unable to completely hide the bitterness in his tone.
Tae Hyun laughed off Jason’s dig at Ren. “He’s not that bad. I’ve met plenty of idols who are a hundred times worse.” He gently poked at Jason’s chest. “And actors.”
Jason wanted to be mad, but Tae Hyun’s friendly teasing completely disarmed his anger. “I don’t know what you mean.” He grinned. “I was never like that.”
Tae Hyun suggestively traced a path down Jason’s chest. “No, you’ve always been a total angel, hyung.” He leaned in closer, his words a husky whisper against Jason’s ear. “My avenging angel.”
After Tae Hyun’s flawless soundcheck, Jason joined him and the dancers for a meal break. And he caught a few of Tae Hyun’s jealous glances as the dancers all fawned over him, reminding him of why he was rarely allowed to attend dance practices. It was a nice bit of turnaround that Jason tried not to enjoy. They met with Tae Hyun’s wardrobe team next, who confirmed that the paint-stained costume was beyond salvage. Thankfully, Tae Hyun had duplicates that he rotated through between shows.
As the showtime countdown ticked down, it was finally time for Jason to head to his luxury box and enjoy the performance. They parted ways with a passionate kiss in Tae Hyun’s dressing room before Andre and Carlos walked Jason to his suite. He was surprised to see Yun Seo there, too.
“Tae Hyun said I could have the night off,” Yun Seo explained. “After everything yesterday, I feel like I need it.”
Jason knowingly chuckled as he went to the bar. “I hear that. Drink?”
Yun Seo shrugged. “Something light? I don’t want to get too drunk.”
Jason nodded and mixed her a gin and tonic. “Hoping to catch a little time with Seong Min?”
Yun Seo huffed. “No chance of that. Not with all the new tour security.”
Jason shared a sad smile as he handed Yun Seo her drink and sank into the plush leather couch beside her. “Sorry. People keep finding new and interesting ways to attack your brother.”
Yun Seo’s face contorted into a surprised frown as she sipped her drink. “Ew. What is this?”
Jason laughed. “It’s what your brother usually drinks now.”
“Oh.” Yun Seo gamely took another sip. “I guess it’s okay. I usually drink wine.” She sipped it again. “So, how are you two doing? I notice he’s been spending a lot of time with Ren lately.”
Jason fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Tae Hyun’s been complaining about not having any friends, so I guess it’s a good thing that they get along.” His words were measured and carefully neutral, but the underlying tension in his tone was unmistakable.
Yun Seo’s eyes narrowed with apparent skepticism. “You know about the, uh–” She trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.
“The kiss?” Jason’s lips tightened as he held off an ugly grimace. “Yeah. I guess it was all a misunderstanding.”
Yun Seo snorted. “You’re taking it awfully well. If some girl tried to kiss Seong Min, I’d kick her ass.”
Jason’s knowing chuckle was more than a little dark. “I don’t doubt it. But it’s complicated. I mean, I don’t believe for a second that he’d ever cheat on me.”
“Tae Hyun?” Yun Seo shook her head. “No way. He’d never. But, Ren?” She elaborately shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“I don’t think Ren and I will be exchanging friendship bracelets anytime soon,” Jason admitted. “But for Tae Hyun’s sake, I’ll try to play nice.”
Yun Seo rested a friendly hand on Jason’s arm. “See? That’s why I like you. You respect my brother enough to put up with his shitty friends.”
Jason laughed, a genuine warmth replacing his earlier tension. “That’s me. I–” He paused when his phone buzzed. It had been so long since someone called him that he’d forgotten he even had it.
“Sorry,” Jason muttered as he retrieved his phone. Lily’s name flashed across the screen–another neglected responsibility from his increasingly complex life. He hoped she wasn’t calling to quit. With a sinking feeling, he tapped the answer button.
“Hey, Lil. What’s up?”
“Jason? Oh, thank god.” Lily sounded much more frantic than usual. “I was afraid you’d ignore this call.”
A cold spike of worry poked at Jason’s thoughts. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s Naomi,” Lily blurted out. “There’s been an accident.”