Page 14 of Idol Lives
Ren’s grin quickly fell away as he lowered his phone. “Oh, I know! I didn’t mean it like that. Anyone can see that you two had a genuine moment. That’s why the videos are spreading so fast. Everyone’s either falling in love with you all over again or–” He trailed off.
Tae Hyun nodded, relaxing back on the couch. “Yeah,or. That’s why I did it. He was brave enough to wear a rainbow pin to my fan meet. I wanted him to know that I support him as much as he supports me.”
Ren smiled, eagerly nodding. “That’s what I meant, yeah. The world is full of haters. Having someone like you offering that support will probably change his life.”
“Hopefully, for the better.”
Ren nodded again. “Yeah, hopefully. But it just makes what we do that much more important, right? It’s why I’m so stoked to be on this tour. You really get it, you know?”
Tae Hyun smiled so wide it almost made his cheeks hurt. “For sure. And I’m glad you’re here, too. The only other gay idol I know is a total asshole.”
Ren laughed as he rolled his eyes. “At least you know another one! You’re the only one I’ve ever met.” Then his grin shifted, his eyes slyly narrowing. “Plus, you’ve got that movie star boyfriend, too,”
“Jason’s so amazing. And he’s made my life so wonderful.” But he’s American, Tae Hyun didn’t say. And he’s not an idol. Sometimes, it’s like he’s from a different planet. “And I really miss him.”
Ren’s piercing gaze lingered on Tae Hyun for so long that he wondered if he’d spoken his thoughts aloud. Then, his smile returned warm and bright. “Yeah, your man seems pretty amazing. And he’s lucky to have you. I hope there’s someone out there like that for me.”
Tae Hyun wanted to assure Ren there was, but the words would’ve felt hollow. As much as he believed everyone deserved that kind of happiness, he knew his situation with Jason was one in a million. Thankfully, a welcome knock at the door saved him from having to reply. “Oh, that must be my sister.”
Ren’s brow furrowed. “Your sister’s here?”
“She’s my assistant.” Tae Hyun stood, setting his glass down with a decisive clink. “This won’t take long if you–”
“Nah,” Ren smoothly rose, stretching until a hint of tanned stomach peeked from beneath his shirt. “I should get going anyway. Lots to do. But, thanks for the chat.” He flashed his trademark grin. “And the drink.” He strolled to the door, throwing it open with a flourish. “Hi!”
Yun Seo froze in place, clearly startled to find a stranger in her brother’s room. “Uh, hi.”
Undeterred, Ren extended his hand with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “I’m Ren. Yoshida Ren fromSweet Beast.”
Yun Seo’s jaw dropped as she took his hand. “Oh, wow! You really are! It’s so great to meet you. I’m a huge fan.”
Ren chuckled as he glanced back at Tae Hyun. “I like her.” Then he turned back to Yun Seo, lifted her hand to his lips, and kissed it. “The pleasure’s mine.” He winked, then slipped past her with a final, “Bye!”
Yun Seo stared after him as she slowly shook her head. “He’s a weird one.”
“I like him,” Tae Hyun admitted, waving Yun Seo inside. “He’s got great energy.”
Yun Seo surveyed the luxurious suite before plopping beside her brother on the couch. “And such a pretty face.” She playfully wiggled her brows. “But I’m much happier to see you, oppa. How are you? How was Los Angeles?”
Tae Hyun sank back on the sofa, propping his feet on the coffee table as he finally allowed himself to fully relax. “It was so surreal. I mean, I knew Jason was wealthy, but the mansion, the planes–”
“Wait.” Yun Seo leaned forward, interrupting. “Planes as in plural?”
“He owns two planes. I flew here on one of them.”
“Whoa.” Yun Seo shook her head, wide-eyed with shock. “Two planes and a mansion?”
“And a billion-dollar company.” Tae Hyun’s sigh was filled with the sudden ache of missing Jason, worsened by his jet-lagged fatigue. “Leaving him to deal with that by himself feels wrong somehow.”
Yun Seo immediately frowned. “Hey, it’s not like this tour isn’t important, too. He should be here supporting you.”
“Yun Seo–”
“Don’tYun Seome, oppa. You know I’m right.”
“No, not about that,” Tae Hyun countered. “Yeah, the timing sucks. But neither of us has any choice. He can’t put his business on hold to jet off to Tokyo with me any more than I could postpone the tour. It is what it is.”
Yun Seo reluctantly nodded. “Okay, yeah. I guess you’re right.”
