23
The bustling energy of Bangkok’s nighttime streets assaulted Jason’s senses as his limo cruised along traffic-choked Sukhumvit Road. He’d never been to Bangkok–his only visits to Thailand were to Phuket and his family’s–no, his –beachfront villa. A wall of mid-rise buildings, their glassy facades shimmering with a million reflected lights, rose along either side, punctuated by neon-splashed shopping malls and the occasional temple. Thankfully, the drive to Bang Na from Suvarnabhumi Airport was short. Still, inside the cool, leather-scented SUV interior, Jason felt a world away from the vibrant excitement outside.
The past two days had been a blur of shock and grief, punctuated by the unexpected rush of adrenaline-fueled action. Jason had expected the fallout from David’s suicide to be far worse. But, it had been surprisingly swift–a single visit from the police, a brief statement to the press, and then a deafening silence. There’d been no witnesses and, thankfully, no security camera footage that placed Jason and David together that night. The press had floated several theories about why David had taken his own life—none of them were kind, and none of them involved Jason trying to talk him down from the edge. But he’d held on to Naomi’s damning files, just in case.
Jason had also given Eunice Kim, his apparently unshakable Chief of Staff, a copy of those files. She’d been understandably shocked to learn of everything David had been up to. He didn’t specifically mention David’s final act of desperation, but he knew she’d fill in the blanks. Then, he made her acting President until Naomi was well enough to resume her duties. Her first order of business was a full audit of the legal department, a move that filled Jason with cautious optimism.
And Naomi was finally awake. He’d rushed back to her bedside as soon as he heard, only to find her chatting with Lily while she ate from a hospital pudding cup. Lily-who’d also been an unwitting victim of David when he’d locked her in a storage closet to distract the men guarding Naomi’s door.
“I can’t believe that asshole really did it,” Naomi angrily commented when Jason filled her in on what she’d missed.
Jason snorted. “Which part?”
“All of it,” Naomi huffed. “The embezzlement, the accident, the–” She paused, catching herself in time before she said too much. “The other thing.”
“Yeah,” Jason quietly uttered. “That. So, now that you’re awake and all, I gotta ask. Are you gonna quit?”
Naomi’s eyebrows briefly shot up. “Quit?” She chuckled to herself as she spooned the last of her pudding into her mouth. “Why would I quit?”
Jason frowned, unsure if Naomi was fucking with him or not. “Well, you know–” He casually gestured toward the hospital bed.
Naomi shook her head. “Honey, the way I see it, this is my first vacation in literal years. And I’m certainly not giving up that much money after this. So, no. I’m not quitting. ”
Jason relaxed his shoulders, breathing out the tension he’d been holding. “Good. I’d hate having to replace you already. As it is, I–”
“Go,” Naomi interrupted, her tone surprisingly firm.
“What?” Jason frowned again. “You want me to leave you alone?”
Naomi shared a knowing look with Lily as the pair chuckled, clearly at Jason’s expense. “No, sweetie. I mean, go to Tae Hyun. It’s not like we have to worry about David anymore. And I’ve already talked to Eunice. Things will be fine.”
A police siren’s distant wail dragged Jason back to the present as his limo pulled up to the imposing structure of the VIBE City Arena. It was a curvy hulk of a building, like most indoor arenas, but was new enough to feature a two-story tall LED sign that proudly displayed Tae Hyun’s smiling face like a beacon in the twilight. He glanced at his phone, a frown creasing his brow. He was late.
Jason quickly messaged Tae Hyun. Just getting here. Lemme know if it’s not too late to see you before the show
After waiting for a few moments, the typing indicator started bouncing. Then, the reply came through.
Hi, it’s Yun Seo. Tae Hyun said to say he loves you and he’ll see you after his set
Jason sighed. “Looks like I’m going straight to the box,” he said to Seong Hyeon.
Seong Hyeon nodded, catching Jason’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Of course, sir. I’ll alert Ms. Kim to your arrival. She requested a brief meeting before the show.”
Jason grimaced. Another meeting. Another reminder of the responsibilities he’d taken on running Big Hammer. But he understood why, with everything that had happened because of Ren. And the show, as they say, must go on. “Okay.”
The thunderous buzz of the sold-out crowd hit Jason as he entered the luxury box. The space was opulent, as expected, with plush leather seating and dimmed lighting. But it was the view that truly took his breath away. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the stage, where Liwanag , Tae Hyun’s new P-pop opening act, was in the midst of a high-octane performance. Their vibrant streetwear and infectious energy, a far cry from Sweet Beast ’s manufactured perfection, had the crowd roaring with approval. Jason felt a pang of envy, never having seen Tae Hyun perform from the show floor. But the ever-present reality of his fame made that impossible. And Seong Hyeon wouldn’t allow it in a million years anyway.
Jason settled in to catch the tail end of Liwanag ’s set. The crowd was clearly into it. Their cheers reached a fever pitch as the group launched into their final song. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was the fresh start Tae Hyun needed–a chance to surround himself with genuine talent and positive energy.
Jason felt more than heard someone enter the suite behind him. He didn’t bother turning to see who it was. The list of people Seong Hyeon would’ve allowed inside was short. Then Mina sat on the couch beside him, smiling as she watched the group’s lead dancer execute a series of gravity-defying moves that made Jason’s jaw drop.
“They’re really something,” Mina commented with noticeable awe. “I’m glad we could get them on the tour.”
“Yeah,” Jason admitted. “I hope they’ll work out better than Sweet Beast .”
Mina’s smile briefly fell. “That was unfortunate,” she agreed. “And so unexpected. I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around it.”
Jason nodded, understanding how she felt. A year ago, he would’ve felt the same way. But his immersion in the K-pop universe had taught him that a lot of darkness often lurked beneath the glitz and glamor. “So, Seong Hyeon mentioned you wanted to meet with me?”
Mina nodded, her expression hard and all business. “Yes, sorry. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now, but–”
“It’s fine,” Jason interrupted, rising from the couch to find the bar. “Right now, I’m all yours.”
Mina tentatively smiled as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I’ve been speaking with Liwanag ’s management about having them continue on the rest of the tour. We’ll need new promotional materials, of course. And then there are all the logistics. New travel and accommodation arrangements, new visas, new–”
“Is this about money?” Jason asked, interrupting again. Mina nodded. He grabbed the Kingston bottle Yun Seo must’ve left for him and gave himself a generous pour. Then, he tilted the bottle toward Mina. “Drink?”
Mina hesitated before nodding. “If it’ll help get me what I need–”
Jason chuckled. “Relax. I’m offering you a drink, not negotiating. You’ll get whatever you need either way.”
Mina’s eyebrows arched as she studied Jason’s face. “Whatever I need?”
Jason swallowed his bourbon and poured himself another. “Have I ever told you no?”
“Well, no,” Mina admitted, finally smiling.
“There you go.” Jason smiled and offered the bottle again. “Still want that drink? ”
Mina stayed long enough for one drink. And Jason paid enough attention to her proposal to let her know he cared. The money didn’t matter to him. He’d already committed to selling everything he owned to finance Tae Hyun’s tour. But he didn’t need to anymore. He could buy the whole arena if he had to.
Once Mina left, Jason scrolled through his neglected social media feeds until the stage lights suddenly dimmed, plunging the arena into a hushed anticipation. Spotlights pierced the darkness, illuminating Tae Hyun and his dancers as they rose from beneath the stage on a hydraulic lift. A collective gasp rose from the crowd. Jason could feel their excitement even from his vantage point high above. Then the music started.
Jason watched, mesmerized, as Tae Hyun commanded the stage, his every move a calculated fusion of grace and power. His vocals, clear and strong, soared through the arena.
Jason found himself leaning forward, drawn into the performance as always, the troubles of his past few days completely forgotten. He watched as Tae Hyun danced, his movements fluid and effortless, connecting with his audience on a visceral level. It was more than just a performance. It was a spectacle. Jason’s heart swelled with pride, the familiar warmth of love and admiration flowing through him. This was his Tae Hyun, the man who had captured and commanded his heart.
A hush fell over the arena as Tae Hyun disappeared for a costume change. Jason beamed, already anticipating the next song. He knew the lyrics and melody by heart. It was their song, Freefall Into You , a secret love letter Tae Hyun had written just for him.
The spotlight snapped back on, revealing Tae Hyun, resplendent in pure white. Bathed in the glow of a single spotlight, he moved with an ethereal shine. Jason’s smile spread wider, his heart quickening as he waited for the familiar synth beats and soaring melody to fill the arena.
But the music never came.
Instead, a trio of stagehands rushed to meet Tae Hyun at his mark. One set up a stool, another handed him a guitar, while the third set up a mic on a stand, all three swift and efficient. The crowd buzzed with confusion, a collective murmur of anticipation rising like a wave. Jason’s nerves twitched with excitement as he jumped from his seat and went to the railing for a better look. Tae Hyun was doing something new! What was happening?
Tae Hyun settled onto the stool, his fingers testing the guitar strings with practiced ease. He looked up, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of the arena before locking onto Jason’s eyes. A knowing smile tugged at his lips.
“I know you’re wondering what I’m doing,” Tae Hyun said, his amplified voice rich and warm. “This is something I’ve been thinking about adding to the show.” He paused, his smile widening. “And I wanted to try it tonight, just for you.”
The crowd gasped. Thousands of eyes turned towards Jason, their gazes burning into him with envy and curiosity. Then Tae Hyun strummed his guitar, capturing their attention once again. The chords reverberated through the hushed arena as Tae Hyun began to sing.
You’re my gravity, always pulling me closer.
Tae Hyun’s voice rang clear and true over the raw, stripped-down music. Jason was instantly transported to his beach house the night Tae Hyun had serenaded him for the first time. The night they’d first confessed their love for one another. Jason’s eyes blurred with unshed tears as he watched Tae Hyun sing, his heart overflowing with love and gratitude. But he couldn’t look away. He wouldn’t miss a single moment of this intimate exchange played out on an epic scale.
Thunderous applause broke out when Tae Hyun strummed the final chord. The crowd knew they’d witnessed something special–something that Tae Hyun might never even do again. But Jason clapped the loudest of all, tears streaming down his cheeks. He’d never been more in love with Tae Hyun.
The rest of the concert passed by in a blur of lights, music, and Tae Hyun’s captivating energy. Jason retreated from the railing, seeking refuge in the privacy of the suite to avoid the lingering gazes of envy from the audience. After Tae Hyun’s final outfit change, Seong Hyeon and Carlos came to collect Jason, knowing he’d want to be there when Tae Hyun finally left the stage.
Jason followed his bodyguards, trusting that they somehow knew the way through the arena’s maze of corridors despite never having been there. The three arrived just in time for Jason to join Yun Seo and Mina. Yun Seo, her face alight with pride, immediately slipped her arm around Jason’s waist, pulling him closer to share in the moment. Jason’s gaze, however, remained fixed on the descending stage lift.
Tae Hyun, drenched in sweat, his red leather jacket gleaming under the stage lights, beamed with triumph as he and his dancers took their final bows to the crew’s rousing applause. Jason’s heart swelled with pride.
Tae Hyun rushed to Jason before the lift even hit the floor, a whirlwind of energy and excitement. “Hyung!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms around Jason in a tight embrace. “They told me you were here. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you before the show. ”
“It’s alright,” Jason replied, his arms tightening around him. “I enjoyed the show anyway.” He pulled back enough to drink in the sight of Tae Hyun’s flushed face and sparkling eyes.
“Come on,” Tae Hyun instructed, taking Jason’s hand and leading him toward the dressing room. “Let’s get me changed.”
Inside the sanctuary of the dressing room, Tae Hyun quickly shed his stage costume, his movements efficient and graceful. Jason watched with a mischievous smirk, appreciating the private show. He couldn’t resist reaching out, his fingers tracing the curve of Tae Hyun’s waist as he stepped out of his pants. Tae Hyun turned back, a playful grin on his face.
“You were incredible out there,” Jason said, low and husky. “The whole crowd was eating out of your hand.”
Tae Hyun bashfully chuckled as his ears turned a delicate pink. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” He paused, his smile slightly fading. “So, how’s Naomi?”
Jason wistfully sighed. “She’s awake,” he said with bittersweet relief. “She’s in some pain, but the doctors are sure she’ll make a full recovery.”
Tae Hyun slipped his t-shirt over his head as he approached Jason and took his hands, their fingers interlacing. “And you? How are you doing after–” He paused, his smile turning sad. “After everything?”
Jason met his gaze, the intensity of his emotions barely contained. “I’m better now that I’m with you.” He leaned in, closing the distance between them. His hand found the nape of Tae Hyun’s neck, pulling him in for a kiss.
Their mutual passion ignited as they hungrily reclaimed the connection they’d both missed. Jason’s hands roamed over Tae Hyun’s back, teasing the smooth, damp skin beneath his fingers. Tae Hyun’s breath hitched, his fingers tangling in Jason’s hair, as he pressed his tongue into his mouth. The world outside the dressing room faded away, replaced by the warmth of Tae Hyun’s touch, the taste of his lips, and the familiar scent of his sweaty body.
Jason’s hands wandered lower, caressing Tae Hyun’s hips, his lower back, then, finally, the curve of his ass. Tae Hyun gasped and gently pushed Jason away.
“Hyung–”
“I know,” Jason reluctantly admitted.
“I want to,” Tae Hyun offered, his ears rosy, “but–”
“But not here.” Breathless and flushed, Jason didn’t have to force himself to smile. “Let’s go to the hotel.”
Tae Hyun’s loving gaze lingered long enough that Jason almost thought he’d change his mind. But they’d been interrupted in dressing rooms before, and that sort of scandal was the last thing they needed. Then he nodded, reaching for his bag. “Mina invited us to the after-party,” he teased. “But honestly, I’d rather spend the night with you.”
Jason’s smile widened as a familiar seductive warmth spread through his body. “I’m all yours,” he said, taking Tae Hyun’s hand. “Let’s get out of here.”
Jason could’ve sworn every eye was on him as he led Tae Hyun by the hand, surrounded by their bodyguards as they made their way to their SUV. The drive to the hotel was blessedly short, even with the still-thick Bangkok traffic.
The Bang Na Grand Hotel towered over the nearby buildings, a sleek, angular monument of glass and steel that Jason would’ve appreciated under different circumstances. But he only had eyes for Tae Hyun. They were soon whisked to their suite in the hotel’s VIP elevator, leaving the Songs, Andre, and Carlos outside to stand guard .
Jason wasted no time, quickly slipping off his shoes and stripping off his shirt as he approached Tae Hyun in the suite’s sitting room. A mischievous gleam sparkled in Tae Hyun’s eyes as Jason took his hand. “You must be exhausted after that performance.”
“Hyung?”
Jason grinned. “Maybe we should go lie down?”
Tae Hyun chuckled. “You’re lucky that your teasing turns me on.”
“I’d say we’re both lucky it does. Where’s the bedroom?”
Tae Hyun nodded and silently led Jason through the suite to the large bedroom. The space was a blur of soft fabrics, warm tones, and glossy, lacquered furnishings. Jason registered the plush expanse of the king-sized bed, the glimmer of moonlight reflecting off the polished wood headboard, and the inviting glow of the bedside lamps. But all those details quickly faded, insignificant compared to the sight of Tae Hyun.
“I’d like to take a shower.” Tae Hyun requested with a shy smile. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course.” Jason grinned. “But don’t take too long,” he added with a wink.
Jason sprang into action the moment the bathroom door closed. He found his luggage stashed just inside the walk-in closet. Digging through the smaller suitcase, he retrieved a small zipped bag that contained everything he needed–candles, scented oil, and lube. He pulled the duvet from the bed, laying a pair of large bath towels in its place. He placed the oil and lube on the nightstand before distributing the candles around the room. Once he’d lit them, he dimmed the room lights until it was almost too dark to see. Then he stripped down to his boxer briefs and waited beside the bed until Tae Hyun returned, his skin still damp from the shower.
“I thought you could use a massage,” Jason suggested, gesturing toward the bed.
Tae Hyun chuckled. “I’d love one.” He let his towel drop to the floor before climbing onto the bed.
Jason climbed up and knelt beside him, his fingers gently following the curve of Tae Hyun’s spine, finding the knots of tension beneath his skin. Tae Hyun sighed, the stress in his shoulders visibly easing as he surrendered to Jason’s touch.
Jason reached for the massage oil, applying a generous amount to his hands before starting with Tae Hyun’s shoulders, kneading the taut muscles with slow, deliberate movements. Tae Hyun’s breath hitched. Then he softly hissed as Jason found a particularly stubborn knot.
“Easy, hyung,” Tae Hyun playfully whispered. “I’m not made of stone.”
Jason chuckled, his fingers continuing their rhythmic dance. “Just trying to work out the kinks,” he purred. He worked his way down Tae Hyun’s back, his thumbs digging into the muscles on either side of his spine, eliciting another soft groan. He moved to Tae Hyun’s hips next, the smooth skin warm beneath his fingertips. Then, his oily hands moved lower, massaging the lean muscles of his thighs and calves. Tae Hyun responded with a series of shivers and sighs, the sound of his pleasure music to Jason’s ears.
With a gentle nudge, Jason rolled Tae Hyun onto his back. The sight of his naked chest and the soft rise and fall of his breathing aroused an enticing warmth within. He dabbled more oil along the contours of Tae Hyun’s chest, spreading it with his fingertips, marveling at his smooth skin and delicate nipples. Then Tae Hyun’s eyes fluttered open, locking onto Jason’s with a silent question. Jason answered with a kiss, his lips soft and gentle on Tae Hyun’s forehead. His hands moved to Tae Hyun’s shoulders, kneading the muscles as his lips trailed a path down his neck. Each touch elicited a moan from Tae Hyun that further fueled Jason’s desire.
The room’s atmosphere shifted, the air crackling with electric passion. Jason ran his fingers along Tae Hyun’s shoulders, the muscles beneath his touch rippling with a delicious tension. Tae Hyun looked up at him, a vision of pure joy lighting up his face.
Jason’s gaze lingered on Tae Hyun’s lips, his own desire growing with each passing second. He leaned in, his fingertips gently tilting Tae Hyun’s chin up. Their eyes met, sparkling with mutual longing and connection. Then, their lips met. Tae Hyun’s fingers dug into Jason’s shoulders, his breath catching in his throat as he pulled Jason closer. Jason shifted his neck, leaning in to nuzzle and nibble on Tae Hyun’s ear.
“Oh, hyung,” Tae Hyun moaned. “I need you inside me.”
Jason paused, his lips hovering just over the nape of Tae Hyun’s neck. “Are you sure?” he asked before attacking his earlobe.
Tae Hyun squirmed under Jason’s weight. “Please, hyung. I want it. I want you so bad.”
Jason grunted, lifting himself off Tae Hyun to strip off his underwear. He grabbed the lube bottle from the nightstand and twisted off the cap but stopped, captured by the vision of Tae Hyun lying on the bed, his oily golden skin bathed in reflections from the dancing candlelight. “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed, unable to help himself.
Tae Hyun suggestively bent his knees and pulled his feet closer. “Make me feel it, hyung. ”
Jason blew out a long breath as he lubed his fingers and cock. He ran his fingers, slick with lube and scented oil, along the inside of Tae Hyun’s thighs until he reached the space between them. Using first one finger, then two, he teased Tae Hyun’s hole, making him squirm again. Jason worried that Tae Hyun wasn’t relaxed enough to bottom until his fingers slipped in. He slowly pushed them inside Tae Hyun until he found his prostate and gave it a little tickle. Tae Hyun bucked, grabbing onto the sheets in great, twisted knots. He was definitely ready.
Jason pulled his fingers out and positioned himself between Tae Hyun’s legs. Then he pressed his rigid cock against him and gently pushed forward until it slipped inside.
Tae Hyun gasped, then moaned, as Jason slowly pushed further until he was all the way inside. He held himself in place for a long, delicious moment, relishing in the warm, velvety embrace Tae Hyun had on his cock. Then he leaned forward, finding Tae Hyun’s mouth with his lips. Tae Hyun reached for Jason’s head, pulling him closer as they kissed, twisting his fingers in Jason’s hair as their bodies molded together.
Jason gently fucked Tae Hyun, slow and steady–each long, measured stroke accompanied by an equally satisfied moan. Neither was in any hurry to finish. The act itself mattered most–the joining of two lovers in blissful, unending union. But end, it must. And Jason soon felt his climax building. Tae Hyun’s breath quickened as Jason finally began to thrust faster.
“Yes, hyung!” Tae Hyun cried out. “Just like that!”
Urged on by Tae Hyun, Jason gradually built his speed and intensity until he could hardly hold back his orgasm. Then Tae Hyun came, raking his nails down Jason’s back as pulsing contractions squeezed Jason’s cock. Jason came next, loudly grunting as he thrust into Tae Hyun with a great, final push.
Spent, Jason collapsed onto Tae Hyun’s chest, slick with oil, semen, and sweat. His heaving breath echoed Tae Hyun’s, who softly chuckled. He couldn’t help but chuckle back, a deep rumble of contentment that vibrated through his chest.
“Feeling better?” Jason teased.
Tae Hyun softly sighed, his fingers gently drawing patterns on Jason’s back. “So much better.”
“Me too,” Jason admitted, rolling onto his back beside Tae Hyun, basking in the chemical glow of lingering hormones and arousal. “I hate being apart. But, damn– coming back together is almost worth the wait.”
Tae Hyun playfully smiled, his eyes twinkling. “You sound like you’re addicted to me, hyung.”
“Maybe I am,” Jason confessed, warm and contented. “Is that so bad?”
Tae Hyun shook his head, rolling onto his side to face Jason. “No,” he replied. “Not at all.” He reached for Jason’s chest, lightly resting his hand over his heart. “I think I feel the same way. Every time you’re gone, it’s like a part of me is missing. Every decision feels heavier, more uncertain, without you by my side.”
Jason’s brow furrowed. He knew that feeling all too well, the constant ache of separation, the gnawing doubt that crept in when Tae Hyun wasn’t there to ground him. “Ah, yeah. Me needing you, you needing me. It’s like we can’t function without each other.” He reached out to trace the line of Tae Hyun’s jaw. “Is that a bad thing?” he asked, soft and sincere. “I love you, Tae Hyun. I love being with you, being there for you. What’s wrong with needing each other?”
Tae Hyun met his gaze with glistening, vulnerable eyes. “Nothing, I guess. It’s just–I don’t want to lose myself in our relationship.”
Jason nodded, finally hearing what Tae Hyun was saying. They’d each gone from being fiercely independent to being dependent on each other. “I get it,” he gently replied. “We both have our own lives, our own careers. We can’t always be together.”
“But we can always be there for each other,” Tae Hyun firmly added. “We can support each other, no matter what.”
Jason smiled, feeling as connected to Tae Hyun as he ever had. “Exactly. That’s what partners do.” He paused, letting a mischievous grin slip. “Speaking of partners–”
Tae Hyun raised a questioning eyebrow, smirking as he playfully smacked Jason’s chest. “What are you up to, hyung?”
“Well,” Jason replied in a low, seductive purr, “since we’re in Thailand and have a few days off before the next show–Why don’t we take a little detour to Phuket?”
Tae Hyun’s eyes widened in surprise. “Phuket? That sounds amazing!”
“I thought so,” Jason said, his grin spreading as he closed in on his real goal. “And we could get married while we’re there.
Tae Hyun’s breath caught in his throat. “Married?”
Jason nodded, his eyes searching Tae Hyun’s face for any hesitation. “Yes. Right there, on the beach, with the sun setting over the ocean. Just us, our vows, and the endless possibilities of our future together.”
Tae Hyun stared at him with apparent disbelief. “Just like that?”
“Why not?” Jason countered, his smile radiant. “We were gonna do it after the tour anyway. Why wait?” He shrugged as he reached for Tae Hyun’s hand. “Don’t tell me you’ve already changed your mind.”
Tae Hyun held Jason’s gaze with piercing eyes as he contemplated his latest proposal. But Jason wasn’t worried. He knew without a doubt that they belonged together. And he knew Tae Hyun felt that way, too. So he waited.
Tae Hyun finally relaxed his expression with a long, deep breath. “Alright. Let’s do it.” Then he grinned. “But I think I need another shower first.”
Jason patted the bed. “And maybe some new sheets.” He leaned in close enough that Tae Hyun’s warm breath washed over his face. “I love you, Tae Hyun.”
Tae Hyun softly smiled as his ears flushed. “I love you, too, hyung.”