Page 26 of Idol Lives
“Well, I enjoyed it a lot.” Jason lifted his sweatshirt off, careful not to let any cum escape. Then he wadded it and used it to wipe up the worst of his spray. “Almost as much asthe real thing.”
Tae Hyun laughed. “You’re such a liar. But I love you anyway.”
Jason soundlessly smirked. “I love you, too.”
“I can’t wait to see you again, hyung.”
“Soon, Tae Hyun.” Jason smiled. “Soon.”
08
The spotlights blinded Tae Hyun, dazzling beams cutting through Guardian Skylight Arena’s inky blackness. The roar from the sold-out crowd washed over him like a breaking wave, a siren’s call of screams and cheers that pounded through his chest, mimicking his racing heartbeat. Tiny diamond beads of sweat clung to his skin, tracing the lines of his muscles as he moved–every step precise, every gesture honed by countless hours of practice. Adrenaline surged through him, a heady rush that powered his performance, pushing him to his limits. This stage, this moment–it was his. He felt powerful and invincible amidst the cacophony of thousands.
Tae Hyun boldly waved to the crowd, flashing finger hearts in the dazzling light before the stage plunged into a planned darkness. He’d performed his final encore. The show was over. Exhaustion threatened to drag him down, but the post-show high coursed through him. Everything was perfect.
Yet, a bittersweet current swam beneath the surface. Tae Hyun longed for a pair of familiar eyes to find him in the swirling lights, to lock with his. He craved the warmth of a certain smile, the one that spoke volumes without a single word. Jason’s absence was a hollow space within theintoxicating thrill, an unwelcome reminder that even the greatest triumph felt incomplete without him.
The backstage bustle swirled around Tae Hyun. A tech unclipped his mic pack and removed his ear monitors while his dancers crowded around him in a flurry of hugs, high-fives, and excited chatter. Then, Mina appeared, her face beaming.
“That was incredible, Tae Hyun! Absolutely flawless,” she gushed as she pulled him into a hug.
It wasn’t, but Tae Hyun smiled anyway. There’d been those monitor glitches, brief heart-stopping moments of disorientation forcing him to keep going solely on the hope he was hitting the right notes. But outwardly? Yes, flawless.
“Thank you,” Tae Hyun said, hugging her back. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I know.” Mina winked, a playful sparkle in her eye. “Obviously, I’m the real star.” She laughed. “But you can have a supporting role. Also, I’ve reserved the hotel’s Executive Lounge for our after-party. Come join us when you’ve freshened up!”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Tae Hyun promised.
After-show parties were a cornerstone of tour life. The crucible of performance forged bonds stronger than anything, turning strangers into friends and friends into family. There, away from screaming fans and flashing cameras, Tae Hyun could breathe, laugh, and simply be himself.
Seong Min met him in his dressing room. He patiently stood guard as Tae Hyun showered off the makeup and glitter and changed into street clothes before driving him back to the hotel. Sitting alone in the car’s rear seat, the first quiet moment he’d had to himself since that afternoon, he pulled out his phone to compose a message to Jason.
First show’s done. It was perfect.
Tae Hyun waited in case Jason replied, knowing he might still be asleep. Then, the typing indicator flashed.
That’s awesome! I’m sorry I missed it but I know you looked and sounded amazing.
Tae Hyun’s smile was bittersweet. Only Seong Min, glancing in the rearview mirror, would see the gentle curve of his lips in the phone screen’s glow.
It’s okay, hyung. You’ll see it soon enough. I’m headed to the after-party next. I love you.
I’m sorry to miss that, too, Jason replied.And I love you more. See you as soon as I can.
A pleasant warmth spread through Tae Hyun as he tucked his phone away. He caught Seong Min’s eye in the mirror. “Did you enjoy the show?”
Seong Min nodded. “Very much, sir.” He lightly chuckled. “Sometimes I think I’m in good shape. Then I watch you sing and dance for two hours straight. It’s a good reminder that I could always be better.”
Tae Hyun laughed. “I might have the endurance, but you’ve definitely got the strength. It’s why we make a great team.”
Seong Min smiled. “If you say so, sir.”
“You’re coming to the after-party, yeah?”
“Of course, sir. As long as you think you need me there.”
Tae Hyun jokingly scoffed. “I don’t need you there. But my sister probably does.”
