Page 61 of Idol Lives
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. Wekeep 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 knewwith 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 takehis 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–”
