Page 29 of Idol Lives
But, staring at Ren, Tae Hyun struggled to reconcile the vulnerable man before him with the impulsive, reckless onewho had just kissed him. “It’s fine,” he reassured Ren, his voice still trembling with unease. “I know you didn’t mean it like that.”
Ren’s shoulders sagged in relief. “I’m so sorry,” he desperately repeated. “I was wrong. I just–sometimes I get caught up in the moment, you know? And I thought, maybe–” He trailed off, his unspoken confession still hanging in the air.
“It’s fine, Ren,” Tae Hyun reassured him. But in that moment, all he could feel was the echo of Ren’s lips against his own, the ghost of a touch that sent a shiver down his spine. He forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We’re good. Let’s just forget about it, yeah?”
Ren looked away, a blush creeping up his neck. His typical playful bravado had vanished, replaced by a conspicuous unease. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Yeah, of course.” His eyes nervously darted toward the balcony door seeking an escape route. “I, uh–I should get back inside.”
Before Tae Hyun could reply, Ren slipped through the sliding door and vanished inside. Alone on the balcony, a million thoughts raced through his mind. Anger, confusion, disappointment–the chaotic storm of feelings threatened to overwhelm him. He took a deep breath, hoping the crisp night air would cool his heated emotions. He had to find Ren and make sure the situation didn’t escalate. A public scene would be disastrous for both of them. Squaring his shoulders, Tae Hyun pushed through the sliding door and reentered the bustling party, his eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of the escaping idol.
Tae Hyun walked toward the bar, thinking Ren might’ve gone for another drink, but he was nowhere to be seen. He huffed, turning his back to the bar to survey the rest of theparty, and caught Yun Seo’s eye. His sister frowned, excused herself from Seong Min, and wandered over.
“What’s wrong?” Yun Seo asked, low and urgent.
Tae Hyun shook his head, forcing a casual smile. “It’s nothing. Have you seen Ren?”
Yun Seo’s frown immediately deepened. “Did something happen? I saw him rush through here like his hair was on fire.”
Tae Hyun’s breath caught in his throat. People were already talking. “Where did he go?”
Yun Seo shrugged as she scanned the room. “I don’t know. Maybe the restroom?”
“Of course,” Tae Hyun muttered. It’s where he would’ve gone, too. “I’ll check there. Thanks.” He pushed off from the bar, but Yun Seo grabbed his arm.
“I’m coming with you.”
“Yun–”
“To keep watch, oppa.”
Tae Hyun nodded, making a quick path to the restroom he spotted near the room’s entrance. He tried the door, but it was locked, so he knocked. “Ren?” No response. He tried knocking again. “Ren, if you’re in there, we should probably–”
The lock’s sharp click startled him. Then the door swung open, revealing Ren, his face flushed and tear-stained. “Can’t you let me be humiliated in peace?”
Tae Hyun quietly sighed. “There’s no need–”
“Oppa,” Yun Seo interrupted. “Someone’s coming.” She pushed on his back. “Just go in.”
Before he could protest, Yun Seo gave Tae Hyun a firm shove, propelling him into the restroom. Ignoring Ren’s startled and upset expression, Tae Hyun closed and locked the doorbehind him. Ren stomped to the other side of the large, well-appointed restroom and leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection as hurt and confusion twisted his features.
“Just say what you came here to say,” Ren spat, the words sharper than Tae Hyun would’ve liked. The feelings were fresh.
Tae Hyun took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. “I came to check on you. To make sure you’re okay.”
“More like to check on how humiliated I am,” Ren countered.
Tae Hyun huffed. “Ren–”
“I’m sorry.” Ren pushed off the counter and turned a remorseful gaze to Tae Hyun. “That’s not fair. I’m mad at myself. Not you.”
Tae Hyun nodded through his strained smile. “I get it. We all do things we regret. The important thing here is to let it go and move on.”
Ren’s frown seemed sincere, but something about his demeanor almost felt rehearsed. For a moment, Tae Hyun was shaken by echoes of his past betrayals. Was something more lurking beneath Ren’s remorseful facade? But he shook off his unease. He was the last person to hold it against someone for hiding their true feelings behind a practiced mask. He longed to rewind the evening, erase the awkward encounter on the balcony, and return to the carefree camaraderie they had shared earlier. But it was too late. The damage was done.
Ren let out a shaky breath. “Yeah, you’re right. Just–” His tone softened as he forced a semblance of calm. “Just give me some space for now. Please.”
Tae Hyun nodded. He really wanted to put the matter to rest, but his desire to avoid a scene was stronger. “Of course.”He turned toward the door. “Do you want me to send anyone in to help you clean up?”
Ren slowly shook his head and turned away. “No, I’ll just wash up and sneak out. If anyone asks–”
