Page 49 of Idol Lives
“You shouldn’t have to do that,” Ren suggested, already calmer and more even. “I’d never put up with that kind of shit from someone. You deserve better.”
Tae Hyun pressed his lips into a thin line. Ren’s words struck a nerve. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ren’s soft chuckle was almost condescending. “Don’t I? We’ve both been fucked over before by people claiming to love us, haven’t we? Looks like only one of us learned his lesson.”
Tae Hyun’s nostrils flared from a surge of raw anger. “Don’t do that,” he warned, his voice tight. “You know nothing about us. He had a bad night, that’s all. Don’t try to make it into more than that.” He narrowed his eyes. “And it’s not like you weren’t trying to push his buttons, too.”
Ren’s eyes widened in surprise. “I wasn’t–”
“He’s right,” Mina cut in, earning a shocked look from Ren. “You were. Not that it’s my place to say so.”
Tae Hyun nodded. “See? So maybe be a little more careful with your own accusations.” He pushed his chair back, the sharp scrape against the floor grating on his nerves. “I think I’ll pass on dinner, Mina. I’m sorry. But I’ll see you both at tomorrow’s sound check.”
Tae Hyun calmly went for the door while he inwardly seethed. Ren may not have deserved to be a target of Jason’srage, but he also hadn’t helped things by poking back like that. The last thing Tae Hyun wanted was to be caught in their battle of wills. But, if he had to be, he needed to take Jason’s side. Just like Jason had reminded him.
Seong Min waited outside the dining room with Andre, who was chatting with someone Tae Hyun assumed was Ren’s security. Tae Hyun raised a questioning eyebrow, the gesture masking his inner turmoil.
“He’s back at the suite, sir,” Seong Min replied to Tae Hyun’s silent question.
That was a relief. Tae Hyun had half-expected to hear that Jason was already on his way to the airport. He quietly sighed. “Alright, then, let’s go back there, too.”
Seong Min tapped Andre’s shoulder, and the two fell into step beside Tae Hyun as they navigated the restaurant. He felt every diner’s eyes on him, burning into his back as he walked. He wanted to run just to escape their stares. He wanted to scream, to explain, to defend Jason’s outburst. It wasn’t Jason’s fault. It was his. But why was he more concerned with soothing Ren’s wounded ego than standing by his boyfriend? Yes, he liked Ren despite his recent missteps. But he’d only really just met the other idol. Yes, they shared a common background, but he hardly even knew Ren. Maybe the relentless spotlight and constant need to maintain a perfect image had made him too eager to please and avoid confrontation. Was he really that conflict-averse that he still expected Jason to quell his infamously hot temper just to avoid making a scene?
The elevator’s rhythmic hum gave Tae Hyun a precious moment of peace. He closed his eyes, losing himself in the motion as he tried to gather the right words for Jason.I’msorrywas probably the best place to start. But it had never been something he was very good at saying.
Seong Hyeon and Carlos stood guard outside the penthouse door when he returned, nodding as Tae Hyun approached. Good. That meant Jason was still inside. Seong Hyeon unlocked the door, stepping aside to let Tae Hyun enter.
Half-expecting to see the suite’s living room in shambles, Tae Hyun was surprised to find everything in pristine order. The only evidence of Jason’s temper was the empty space behind the bar where the Kingston bottle had once stood. Not that Jason had ever angrily torn a room apart. That was more Tae Hyun’s style.
“Hyung?” No one answered Tae Hyun’s call. “Jason?”
Tae Hyun choked back a sigh and wandered deeper into the suite, his senses on high alert. A faint whiff of cigarette smoke hung in the air, drawing his gaze to the open balcony door. He walked outside, the brisk night air cooling the heat simmering under his skin. The twilight sky shimmered in a deep purple haze as the last vestiges of the sun surrendered to the approaching darkness. Below, the Xinyi District cityscape exploded in a riot of color. Buildings glittered like a million scattered stars, while cars streaked along the streets like his restless thoughts. He gripped the railing as he took everything in, the cool metal a comforting touch. His gaze finally settled on Jason, a solitary figure leaning against the far railing. A cigarette smoldered in one hand, bourbon in the other, framed by the delicate silver light of a crescent moon.
“There you are.”
Jason glanced at Tae Hyun, the fiery anger from earlier extinguished, apparently placated by his dual vices. “Here I am,” he murmured, offering a faint smile that didn’t quitereach his eyes. He gestured with his cigarette towards the cityscape. “Some view, eh?” He snorted. “I guess you must be rubbing off on me.”
“I guess so.” Tae Hyun wandered over to stand beside Jason. He nodded at the cigarette. “Where did you get that?”
“This?” Jason shrugged. “I called room service.”
Tae Hyun’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “They sell cigarettes?”
Jason shook his head, a wry grin twisting his lips. “Hell no. But I asked the guy who answered if anyone there smoked and offered them a hundred bucks if someone brought me a pack.”
Jason took a drag from his hundred-dollar cigarette, the orange glow illuminating his sharp features. He turned back towards the view, the glittering city lights a backdrop for his silent turmoil.
Tae Hyun awkwardly leaned against the railing beside him. Words clawed at his throat. He was sorry for not supporting Jason. He was mad that Jason had let his temper get the better of him. He was worried to see Jason drinking and smoking. But the words wouldn’t come. He imagined his sister’s voice prodding him to at least apologize. The rest could follow.
“I’m sorry, hyung,” Tae Hyun finally blurted out.
“Are you?” Jason’s demeanor was mysteriously calm for someone who’d just slammed a door and stormed off.
“Of course I am.” Tae Hyun fought to match Jason’s steady tone, but his unjust accusation stung. “I should have backed you up.”
“Yeah, you really should have.” Jason took a final drag and flicked the cigarette over the railing, watching the sparking ember spiral down into the darkness. “But I get it. I made ascene. That’s always a big no-no for you.”
Tae Hyun huffed, his annoyance finally bubbling over. “Oh, of course. Make it all about me and not even a little bit about how much of an asshole you can be sometimes.”
