Page 27 of Idol Lives
Seong Min frowned. “Sir?”
“We’ve got enough security people now that you can take the night off and enjoy yourself.”
Seong Min tried to hide a grateful smile. “Thank you, sir.”
When Tae Hyun arrived at his room, he took a long,luxurious shower, letting the hot water rinse away his lingering tension. Reapplying his makeup was almost meditative, the familiar routine grounding him amid the whirlwind tour. The night’s outfit was a statement–black leather pants for a touch of rock-star edge and a loose, glittery mesh top that shimmered like a disco ball. A spritz of his signature scent, a few quick selfies–one for his fans, one for Jason–and he was ready.
Seong Min, still dressed in his semi-casual security attire, escorted him to the Executive Lounge. Thumping music and the buzz of conversation and laughter spilled out as they approached, a tantalizing preview of the night ahead. Stepping inside, Tae Hyun was met with a burst of activity and vibrant colors. The lounge was more upscale than executive, with velvet couches in bright jewel tones, gleaming, polished wood floors, and walls lined with striking, contemporary art. A full window wall opening to a rooftop terrace brought the drama, offering a spectacular view of the Shinjuku skyline. The room pulsed with a low hum of conversation and clinking glasses, the air thick with the mingled scents of perfume and expensive liquor.
Mina spotted Tae Hyun right away, her smile wide and genuine, with warmth in her eyes. “Hi! What are you drinking?”
Tae Hyun chuckled. “Is that even a question? What is there?”
“Are you kidding?” Mina playfully scoffed, gesturing towards the bar. Her cheeks were flushed, and she talked too loud. She had to be drunk already. “We’ve got everything.”
Tae Hyun laughed. “I’ll have a gin and tonic, please.”
Mina nodded, turning with a flourish toward Daniel at the bar. “Daniel! Get Tae Hyun a G&T.” Daniel nodded and gaveMina a thumbs up. “Great. So, Tae Hyun, how are you feeling? Everything good?”
Tae Hyun smiled, touched by her genuine concern. “Honestly? It’s great. I’ve done several tours, Mina, and this is by far the best one.” He gently touched her shoulder. “You’re seriously doing an amazing job.”
Mina blushed, her smile softening. “Thank you! That means a lot coming from you.” She returned the gesture, resting a hand on his shoulder. “And I’ve worked with a lot of artists. You’re easily the least bitchy.”
Tae Hyun chuckled at Mina’s backhanded compliment. “Give it time,” he teased.
Daniel joined them, handing Tae Hyun his drink. “Here you go, sunbaenim.” He lifted his glass for a toast. “To an amazing show.”
“And an amazing tour,” Tae Hyun added, lifting his drink. They all clinked glasses, and Tae Hyun sipped from his. “Have you been to Tokyo before, Daniel?”
Daniel shook his head, his eyes shining with excitement. “No, and I’m loving it! It’s so much fun. Jenny and I walked around Shinjuku last night. It was such a trip. What about you? You’ve been before, yeah?”
Tae Hyun swallowed his automatic sigh at the difficult reminder of his last Tokyo visit. But the ache wasn’t as sharp as it once was. Every new, positive memory in Tokyo chipped away at the bad ones, creating a space for joy alongside the lingering sadness. He took another sip of his drink and smiled. “I’ve been a few times, but it’s always good to be back.”
Daniel grinned. “Thanks for letting me be part of it.”
“Of course!” Tae Hyun glanced at Javi, deep in conversation with Ember and Skylar. He leaned closer to Daniel. “So, haveyou and Javi finally hooked up yet?”
Mina gasped. “What? Don’t tell me you two are–”
“No,” Daniel cut in, a blush darkening his cheeks. “I mean, I wish, cuz I’d ride that man like a mechanical bull. But, no. Not yet.”
Tae Hyun chuckled. “Give it time,” he teased, winking at Mina. Across the room, Ren caught his eye and flashed him a dazzling smile. He wore a bold, punk-inspired tartan kilt and a graphic tee printed with a reverseSweet Beastlogo that perfectly captured his manic energy. Tae Hyun returned the smile and raised his drink in salute.
Mina noticed their exchange. “Sweet Beastkilled it tonight. Did you catch their set?”
Tae Hyun nodded. “Some of it. It’s great having them open. The crowd was so warm and pumped by the time we got onstage.”
“I wish I was warm and pumped,” Daniel joked, still staring at Javi.
Mina huffed. “That’s it.” She grabbed Daniel by the shoulders and turned him to face Javi. “We’re fixing this right now.” She pushed a slightly panicked Daniel toward the object of his desire.
Left on his own, Tae Hyun waited as Ren approached with an empty glass in hand. “I’m headed to the bar.” He nodded toward Tae Hyun’s half-finished drink. “Ready for another?”
Tae Hyun drained his glass and grinned. “Perfect timing.”
“Gin and tonic again?”
Tae Hyun nodded. “Predictable, I know.” He followed Ren to the bar, watching while he ordered their drinks.
