Page 21 of Idol Lives
Tae Hyun’s heart ached. He impulsively reached for Ren’s hand. “Hey, you’re not alone. Not anymore.”
Ren smiled, his eyes glistening with fresh tears. “Thanks. That means a lot.” He gave Tae Hyun’s hand a hesitant squeeze, then released it. “How about another beer?”
“I’d love one.”
The moment broken, Ren returned to the bar, leaving Tae Hyun to bask for a moment longer in the warmth of newfound connection, feeling grateful for his impulsive decision to sneak away. Ren totally got it–the loneliness, the pressure, the need to hide his true self. It was such a relief to just be understood after all the isolation and secrets–to not have to explain how it all felt. It was the kind of friendship he’d longed for, someone who shared his unique struggles. He smiled. Jason would definitely like Ren. He was sure of it. They’d have so much to talk about, too.
Then, a shadow of movement in the corner of his eye dragged him back to reality. He expected to see Ren returning but instead looked up at Seong Min.
“Mr. Woo, sir. They’re looking for you back at the arena. They’ve been trying to call you.”
“What?” Tae Hyun grabbed his phone to check for missed calls and saw theNo Signalindicator. “Shit. Of course.” He huffed. “Did you talk to Mina?”
“Yes, sir. I told her you’d stepped out to get some fresh air and would return shortly.”
Tae Hyun sighed with relief. “Thanks, Seong Min.”
“Excuse me.” Ren awkwardly slipped past Seong Min, a pair of beers in hand. “What’s up?”
“I have to go back,” Tae Hyun reluctantly admitted.
Ren’s frown was almost a scowl. “Are you sure? We’re having such a great time.” Tae Hyun solemnly nodded. “Ah, well. At least we had some fun, right?”
Tae Hyun managed a smile despite the sting of disappointment. Ren was right. It had been just what he needed–a little bit of normal amid the madness. “Yeah, we definitely did.”
07
The Los Angeles sky bled from vibrant orange to bruised purple as Jason’s brand new, glossy black Berthold Meridian SUV crawled along with the sluggish Melrose traffic. A low, frustrated growl rumbled in his throat. Seong Hyeon, sitting behind the wheel, maintained his usual impassive facade. Beside him, a handsome, broad-shouldered, young Black man with a neatly shaved head silently surveyed his surroundings. His intense gaze flicked from the rearview mirror to Jason, his posture straight and alert. Former military, obviously. He’d introduced himself as Andre. Based on the bone-crushing strength of his handshake, Jason knew he wouldn’t soon forget the name.
Silence stretched between them, punctuated by squawking car horns and the rhythmic whoosh of tires on asphalt. Jason tapped a restless rhythm on his knee, his newfound anxiety a constant hum beneath the surface. A lifetime of reckless abandon had been replaced by a simmering worry–both for Tae Hyun and the overwhelming responsibility of Brightstar looming on the horizon. There were moments he longed for the simpler days of backlots and bar fights. Life had a brutal kind of predictability back then. These days, juggling his stress about the takeover with Tae Hyun being an oceanaway in Tokyo was a relentless current threatening to pull him under.
Seong Hyeon finally pulled up to the curb next to Kalbi Fuego, the trendy Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Seong Woo had chosen. Jason straightened his tie, a moment of anticipation pushing back on the constant hum of worry. While he’d spoken with Seong Woo at the funeral, it was all routine condolences and scene setting. Jason had yet to catch up with him for real. He saw their dinner as the chance to correct that.
“Paps, boss,” Andre announced, his voice and expression equally tight. “Lemme get your door.” A burst of noise shattered the relative silence as Andre opened his door and climbed from his seat.
“He’s okay, right?” Jason asked as he waited for Andre to open his door.
Seong Hyeon offered a single nod. “Absolutely, sir. I vetted Andre myself.” A flash of pride lit up his usually impassive face. Running Brightstar’s security gave him so many more options than he was used to. He had to be in security heaven.
Jason plastered on his Best Actor-winning smile before stepping out of his seat. He flashed it as he mindlessly waved to the swarm of photographers shouting their questions and demands for photos. It wasn’t until he crossed the sidewalk that he noticed the velvet rope corralling a lineup of hopeful diners awaiting their turn to enter the exclusive establishment.
But the noise abruptly vanished as Jason followed Andre inside the restaurant. He was immediately struck by the decor–all minimalist lines and elegant curves echoing its Korean inspiration, punctuated by splashes of bold color and vibrant Mexican artwork, a perfect reflection of its innovativecuisine. An achingly gorgeous hostess–probably one more runway show away from becoming a supermodel–offered a curt nod.
“Good evening, Mr. Park. Mr. Cho is waiting for you.” There was no smile, only professional courtesy. She gestured toward a handsome young host beside her, his silk tie impeccably knotted. “Paulo will show you to your table.”
Jason glanced at Andre, who nodded and discreetly took up a position where he could keep watch. Jason then followed Paulo’s perfectly round ass to the corner table on the dining room’s far side where Seong Woo waited, bathed in warm, golden light. He looked magazine-cover sharp in a rich brown, double-breasted, herringbone suit and textured navy knit tie. But Jason looked better, dressed in his bespoke, charcoal wool suit and subtly patterned black silk tie from up-and-coming Korean fashion house Harvey Sol.
Seong Woo greeted him with a dazzling smile. “Jason, my friend!” He quickly rose, taking Jason’s hand in a respectful, double-handed grip, and bowed his head. “My deepest condolences again on the loss of your parents.”
“Thanks.” Jason wryly grinned as Paulo smoothly pulled out his chair. “And thanks for meeting with me.”
Seong Woo chuckled, sliding back into his seat. “Meetingwithyou? And here I thought this was just a friendly dinner. Oh, how the tables have turned.”
“It’s not all business.” Jason flashed a genuine smile. “I’m actually happy to see you. These last couple of weeks have been a lot.” He caught Paulo’s eye before he walked away. “Can I get a Kingston, neat?”
Paulo nodded. “Right away, Mr. Park.”
Seong Woo’s eyes flashed with amusement. “Still gettingname dropped, I see.”
