18
Tae Hyun knew something was wrong the moment he saw Jason’s face. His show had been genuinely flawless. No sound issues. No missed cues. And, most importantly, no paint projectiles thrown at him. But Jason still stood at the base of the stage lift with the same angry, anxious expression he’d had the day before.
“Hyung?” Tae Hyun was barely audible over the backstage noise as he rushed to Jason’s side. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Naomi,” Jason replied with enough dread to send a chill down Tae Hyun’s spine. He scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowed as if searching for an invisible threat. “Not here. Let’s go to your dressing room.”
Tae Hyun nodded, took Jason’s hand, and led him away from the excited crowd gathered around the lift. His usual post-show buzz felt muted and distant as a growing sense of foreboding settled over him. What could have happened? Why the secrecy? The suspicious way Jason scanned their surroundings only intensified his worry.
Tae Hyun wasted no time, cornering Jason once they were safely behind the dressing room’s locked door. “Please, hyung. What happened to Naomi?”
Jason leaned against the closed door, the weight of the news evident in the slump of his shoulders. He took a deep, shuddering breath. “She’s in the hospital,” he said in a near monotone. “There was an accident.”
Tae Hyun’s stomach dropped. He reached for Jason’s hand and tightly squeezed it. “An accident? Is she okay?”
Jason shook his head, his gaze dropping to the floor. “No, not really. She’s in bad shape. Lily said it was bad.” His voice cracked, his forced composure finally shattering.
The room seemed to close in on them, the air thickening with shared fear. Tae Hyun’s mind raced to process this sudden turn of events. Naomi–Jason’s rock, his mentor, his friend–broken and vulnerable in a hospital bed. The image was too painful to bear. He shook it away.
“What happened?”
Jason looked up, his eyes meeting Tae Hyun’s. His pained anger was almost tangible. “A car accident. Someone hit her.” He shook his head as if trying to sort the words. “Lily didn’t know much else. They rushed her to the hospital, and–” He growled with frustration. “That’s all I know.”
Tae Hyun tightened his grip on Jason’s hand. He could feel the tremors wracking Jason’s body, the barely suppressed rage simmering beneath the surface. He knew that look–that dangerous sharpening of Jason’s eyes. It was the same look he’d seen the night Jason confronted Chang Min all those months ago. But he understood why, just like he had then. And there was only one course of action to take.
“You have to go back,” Tae Hyun firmly announced, the decision already made. “You have to be there for her.”
Jason wearily sighed, letting his head fall to Tae Hyun’s shoulder. “I know,” he replied, muffled by the fabric of Tae Hyun’s shirt. “I know I should. I want to be there for her. But I also want to be here with you.”
Tae Hyun reached for Jason’s head, gently combing his fingers through his hair. “I know, hyung. But it’s Naomi. You’ve known her longer–”
“Don’t.” Jason’s growl echoed in the small space. “There’s no comparison. I love the hell out of her. But, when it comes to you–” He sighed, leaving the rest unsaid.
But Tae Hyun understood. It was the same reason why he’d offered to postpone the tour. Nothing was more important to him than Jason. He lifted Jason’s chin from his shoulder to look into his deep, brown eyes. “I love you, too, hyung. More than anything. Now, let me get changed so we can go back to the hotel. You can make your arrangements and–”
“It’s already done.” Jason sighed. “Of course, I knew I needed to go back. So I talked to the flight crew during your show. The plane’s being prepped. It should be ready in a few hours.”
Tae Hyun nodded as he slipped his t-shirt over his head. But disappointment pierced through his resolve. Jason had barely arrived, and he was already leaving. “Okay.” He forced himself to smile. “That gives us enough time to get you packed.”
Jason groaned. “But I just got here,” he complained, echoing Tae Hyun’s thoughts. “It’s not fair. And I haven’t even dealt with all this tabloid shit yet. That’s the whole reason I came out here.”
Tae Hyun stepped into his boots before grabbing his bag and shoving everything in it that he wanted to have on hand. It was their last Taipei show, so the crew would pack up the rest to be sent ahead to Manila. “But being here has helped so much, hyung.” He grabbed his lotions, serums, and makeup kit, dumping them into the bag. “Just you being at my shows and showing your support proves the rumors are bullshit. ”
Jason stepped behind Tae Hyun, his strong arms enveloping him in a warm embrace. “This whole situation is bullshit. Sometimes, it feels like the whole world is working against us.”
Tae Hyun leaned back against Jason, offering whatever comfort he could with his touch. The tension in Jason’s body was impossible to ignore. “But it’s always been like that. And, now, we have each other.” He turned inside Jason’s arms to face him. “We don’t have to deal with all that alone anymore.”
Jason tentatively smiled. “No, we don’t.” He offered Tae Hyun a tender kiss, lingering for a moment as their lips parted. “Let’s get back to the hotel. We’ve got packing to do.”
Carlos and Seong Hyeon were waiting outside the dressing room when Jason and Tae Hyun emerged. They escorted the pair to the SUV waiting in the loading dock for the drive back to the hotel. Seong Hyeon already knew what had happened to Naomi, of course. He confirmed the details of Jason’s flight on the drive. They had two hours before he needed to head to the airport. Tae Hyun also needed to pack, but he wasn’t leaving for Manila until the next morning.
Tae Hyun stared at Taipei’s brightly lit nighttime streets on the short drive back to the Xinyi Grand. His heart ached at the thought of saying goodbye so soon, the familiar fear of separation tightening his chest. He’d only just gotten used to having Jason around after getting used to being apart. It wasn’t fair. But life wasn’t fair. And Naomi was important to Jason, which made her important to him, too. He needed to focus on making the most of the time they had left.
Once they were back in the penthouse, Jason went right to their bedroom and dragged his suitcases from the closet. He’d hardly unpacked, only pulling out a few outfits and his toiletries for their short Taipei visit. He stuffed his clothes into one of the suitcases, then returned to the closet to grab Tae Hyun’s.
“I was gonna do that in the morning,” Tae Hyun confessed. “I thought we could enjoy a quiet night together.” He sighed. “Before all this happened.”
Jason grimly nodded but left the suitcase where it was. “That sounds like more fun.” His chuckle was a bit hollow. “I hate watching you pack.”
Tae Hyun snorted as he approached Jason. “Just because I know how to properly fold clothes instead of stuffing them in however they fit.” He grabbed Jason’s hands. “Since we’ve got some time–” His gaze shifted towards the bed. “–is there anything you want to do?”
Jason’s eyes followed Tae Hyun’s gaze. He nodded, understanding the subtext. “Sure, if that’s what you want,” he unenthusiastically replied.
Tae Hyun quietly huffed. That was hardly an eager response to his attempt at seduction. “But it’s not what you want.”
Jason sighed. “You know I’d never tell you no. But I can’t stop thinking about Naomi. It’s kind of a mood killer.”
“Yeah.” Tae Hyun nodded, squeezing Jason’s hands to reassure him. “You’re right. And we don’t need to have sex. Just spending this time with you is more than enough.” He stepped back, gently tugging on Jason to follow. “Let’s go enjoy the view one more time.”
Tae Hyun led Jason downstairs, stopping at the bar to see a bottle of champagne chilling with a note from Mina congratulating Tae Hyun on another successful tour stop. Jason popped the cork with a satisfying hiss, the sound echoing across the cavernous sitting room. He filled a pair of flutes, the golden liquid gently bubbling as he handed one to Tae Hyun.
“To us,” Jason said, raising his glass.
“To us,” Tae Hyun echoed, their glasses softly clinking.
They walked out onto the balcony, the lights of Taipei sparkling beneath the vast night sky. A cool breeze brushed against Tae Hyun, pulling the heat from his skin. He shivered as he leaned against the railing, gazing out at a skyline that stretched toward the shadowy outline of the Nangang Mountains in the distance. It reminded him of Seoul.
Jason put an arm around Tae Hyun as he stepped up beside him. “This almost reminds me of home,” he said, echoing Tae Hyun’s thoughts yet again.
“I never thought I’d say this,” Tae Hyun admitted, “but I miss Los Angeles.”
Jason sipped his champagne, a wry smile on his lips. “Really? I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“There’s something about it,” Tae Hyun continued. “It’s deceptively laid back at first. But it has an addictive energy.” He smiled. “And the weather’s always perfect.”
“I miss it, too,” Jason confessed, gently squeezing Tae Hyun. “Especially now that I share it with you. Seeing it through your eyes is like experiencing it for the first time.”
Tae Hyun’s ears warmed as he leaned into Jason’s embrace. “That’s mostly why I miss it. Because you’re there.” He sighed with a hint of longing. “I wish I was going with you.”
“I know. I do, too.” Jason pulled Tae Hyun closer, their bodies pressing together. “We should get married.”
Tae Hyun nervously chuckled. “You’re asking again? I thought I already said yes.”
“No, I mean, let’s actually do it. After the tour’s over. We keep putting it off and putting it off, but there’s no reason to wait anymore.” Jason sighed, a shadow passing over his face. “I’m sorry, that’s probably the last thing on your mind right now. But everything with Naomi has me thinking. I don’t want to wait until it’s too late.”
All the sounds of the city fell away with the intensity of Jason’s words. Tae Hyun’s heart ached with sadness for Naomi and a newfound urgency. Marriage. It was a step he’d agreed to in theory, but the reality of it, the permanence, had always felt a little daunting.
“Yes,” Tae Hyun blurted out, the word escaping his lips before he could fully process it. “Let’s do it!”
A delicious warmth overcame Tae Hyun as Jason’s face broke into a radiant smile, all traces of anger and worry banished. In that instant, all of Tae Hyun’s doubts dissolved. He wasn’t sure if he was truly ready for marriage, for the weight of those vows, but at that moment, with Jason’s shining eyes full of love and hope, it felt right. It felt inevitable.
Jason cupped Tae Hyun’s face in his hands, his thumbs gently tracing the curve of his cheekbones. “Are you sure?” he quietly asked, his eyes bright with impending tears.
Tae Hyun nodded, his eyes mirroring the depth of his emotions. “I’m sure.”
And then, their lips met. It wasn’t a gentle, reassuring kiss like the one they’d shared earlier. This was a hungry claim, a desperate need for connection, a celebration of their shared commitment. Tae Hyun’s fingers tangled in Jason’s hair, pulling him closer as their bodies molded together.
The kiss sealed their promise, erasing any lingering doubts. At that moment, on that balcony overlooking a city that had once been a battleground of pain and betrayal, Tae Hyun knew with absolute certainty that he was ready. Ready for forever. Ready for marriage. Ready for a future with Jason by his side.
Tae Hyun finally pulled away, his breath coming in short, sweet gasps. He brushed his thumb across Jason’s bottom lip, a lingering touch that spoke volumes. “Now I really don’t want you to go,” he said, not entirely joking.
Jason’s melancholy smile twisted Tae Hyun’s heart. “I know. But it’s only temporary. I’ll be back by your side before you know it.” He tilted his head back, draining the last of his champagne. “But, for now–” He paused, his phone insistently buzzing in his pocket. He checked the screen. “–for now, I have to go.” He returned his phone to his pocket and took Tae Hyun’s hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “Do you want to come to the airport?”
Tae Hyun could tell that the offer was only a formality–a gesture of comfort rather than a genuine expectation. But it would only delay the inevitable. “I’d love to, but I still have to pack. Besides–” He paused, grinning. “I’d kind of like to keep that as our goodbye kiss.”
Jason chuckled. “It was a good one.”
The doorbell’s sharp chime signaled the end of their private moment. “I’ll get that,” Tae Hyun volunteered, “while you grab your bags.”
Jason quickly leaned in for a second kiss, soft and tender. “One more for the road,” he explained as he backed away, smiling.
Tae Hyun watched him disappear into the penthouse, ignoring the brief flashback to the argument on their first night in Taipei. Then he made his way to the door, opening it to find Andre, Carlos, and the Song brothers waiting. Andre and Carlos came in first, joining Jason on the stairs to take his bags.
“Mr. Park, sir. Mr. Woo, sir,” Seong Hyeon said, gathering them before him and his brother. “Carlos will return with us, but we’ve decided to leave Andre behind as additional personal protection for Mr. Woo.” He gestured towards Andre, who offered a respectful bow.
“It’s an honor to watch your back, Mr. Woo.”
Tae Hyun smiled. “Thank you.” He looked at Seong Min. “You’re staying, too. Yes?”
Seong Min nodded. “Of course, sir.”
“We should get going,” Seong Hyeon interjected, a gentle reminder that time was running out. “The airport awaits, Mr. Park, sir.”
Jason’s eyes met Tae Hyun’s. A silent exchange passed between them–a mix of love, worry, and a promise to return. He pulled Tae Hyun into a final embrace, his lips brushing against his cheek in a farewell kiss. “I love you. I’ll call you when we land.”
“I love you, too, hyung. Safe travels.”
A moment later, Tae Hyun was alone again, the expansive penthouse suite suddenly feeling vast and empty. He took a deep breath, the lingering scent of Jason’s cologne a small comfort. It was only for one night. Tomorrow, he’d be in Manila. In another hotel room. He sighed. That was life on tour.
Tae Hyun was halfway to the stairs, intent on actually packing before bed, when the door chime startled him. He rushed back, thinking perhaps Jason had forgotten something, and threw it open. “Hyung?”
But it was Ren, softly grinning as he shook his head. “Just me, I’m afraid. I take it that means Jason’s already gone? ”
Tae Hyun nodded, a frown creasing his brow. “You heard he was leaving?”
Ren shook his head again. He seemed more subdued now, the adrenaline of the performance having worn off, leaving a weariness that mirrored Tae Hyun’s own. “No, but I read about the accident online. I came by to see if you guys were okay.” He shuffled his feet, his gaze fixed on the carpet. “But if you’d rather be alone, I can–”
“No,” Tae Hyun interrupted. Being alone was the last thing he wanted. “I’d love some company.” He stepped back and gestured for Ren to come in.
Ren went inside, gasping as he took in the luxurious surroundings. “Whoa,” he said as he slipped his shoes off. “Forget what I said about your Tokyo suite. This place is the shit.”
Tae Hyun chuckled. “Jason likes to travel in style.” He gestured toward the bar. “You want some champagne? I’ve got an open bottle.”
“Please.”
Ren followed Tae Hyun to the bar, where he poured another pair of flutes. Tae Hyun handed one to Ren before offering his glass in a toast.
“To a successful show.”
“To a successful tour,” Ren added, clinking Tae Hyun’s glass and taking a generous sip. “Damn. This is good stuff.” He settled onto a barstool, leaning closer to Tae Hyun. “So, how is everything? The story made it sound like this Naomi is important.”
Tae Hyun nodded, a pang of guilt twisting in his gut as he remembered Jason’s sudden departure. “She is. They’re very close. She was Jason’s business manager before. Now she’s the President of his company.”
“Wow.” Ren softly whistled. “That’s rough. I hope she recovers.” He paused, intently searching Tae Hyun’s face. “What about you? How are you holding up?”
Tae Hyun shrugged, unsure how to answer. “It’s hard to say. This has been a seriously fucked up week.”
Ren leaned even closer. “Yeah, it’s hard to believe that little incident on the balcony was only a week ago.”
Tae Hyun was momentarily taken aback by the reminder of the kiss, the awkwardness of that encounter flooding back. Then he laughed, unable to stop himself, caught up in the strangeness of the moment. Ren’s boldness was disarming and, in a twisted way, comforting. “I can hardly remember it at this point,” Tae Hyun replied, trying to match Ren’s lighthearted tone. “What about you? How are you dealing with the tabloid fallout?”
Ren leaned back, taking another sip of champagne. “Honestly?” He shrugged. “It’s been tough. Jason showing up like he did actually helped.” He offered a wry smile. “I kind of regret how I talked to him that night. I was just feeling defensive.”
Tae Hyun nodded, understanding the impulse all too well. “We all say things we don’t mean sometimes.” He hesitated, then softly added, “But I’m glad you’re feeling better now.”
Ren’s embarrassed smile radiated warmth and kinship as the earlier tension seemed to momentarily dissolve. He reached out, his hand brushing against Tae Hyun’s arm, a casual gesture that felt natural. “Thanks, Tae Hyun,” Ren murmured, low and vulnerable. “You’re a good friend.”
The warmth in Ren’s eyes and the lingering touch were almost enough to make Tae Hyun forget Jason’s doubts about him. But as he returned Ren’s smile, a tiny voice–Jason’s voice–whispered in the back of his mind, urging him to tread carefully.
A comfortable silence settled between them, the shared experience of the scandal creating an unexpected bond. They sipped their champagne, the conversation shifting to lighter topics–music, movies, the upcoming shows in Manila. But beneath the surface, Tae Hyun could feel the lingering undercurrent of tension, a reminder of the delicate balance they were navigating.
Tae Hyun tried to stifle a yawn, but another followed, then another. Exhaustion, the culmination of days of intense emotions and back-to-back performances, was catching up to him. “Sorry,” he mumbled, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”
Ren’s smile softened into a look of genuine concern. “You should get some rest,” he gently suggested. “We both should. Big day tomorrow.”
Tae Hyun nodded, grateful for Ren’s understanding. “Yeah, we should. But I appreciate you coming by, Ren. It means a lot.”
Ren’s gaze lingered before he finally smiled. “Of course. Anything for a friend.” He gracefully rose from his stool. “Get some rest, Tae Hyun,” he said, offering a final, “Good night.”
With a wave, Ren slipped out of the penthouse, leaving Tae Hyun alone with his thoughts and the lingering echoes of their conversation. As he made his way upstairs, the weight of the day’s events pressed down on him, the earlier reassurance fading into a dull ache.
Tae Hyun considered packing again but decided against it. He still had to clean up, and he was tired, so he’d have to leave it for the morning. Instead, he took a long hot shower before finally climbing into bed. He wrapped his arms around Jason’s pillow and pulled it close, but Jason’s smell was gone. Of course, housekeeping had changed the linens. With a wistful sigh, he closed his eyes, hugging the pillow anyway, and tried falling asleep.