Page 54 of Idol Lives
“I know. But it meant a lot to me. Thank you.” Tae Hyun leaned in and kissed Jason’s cheek. “Now, I’ve got an hour to get ready.” He gestured toward a nearby clothing rack hung with his concert wardrobe. “Why don’t you help me get dressed?”
16
Dressed and ready for his performance, Tae Hyun found a vantage point backstage that offered a clear view ofSweet Beast’s set. The atmosphere was electric, humming with chaotic energy from the massive crowd. You’d never know there’d been a protest raging outside just hours earlier. Those ten thousand screaming fans, packed into the arena to see their idols on stage, had easily drowned out all the hateful chants.
While Tae Hyun was thankful there’d been no real trouble, seeing the protestors and their awful signs cast a shadow over his pre-show excitement. The protesters, drawn by the lurid tabloid rumors of his affair with Ren, were scavengers, feasting on the scraps of scandal. In some ways, they were worse than the paparazzi–their words venomous, their hatred visceral. And he imagined it wouldn’t be his last tabloid rumor. He knew better than to believe that. There was always something. The tabloid press lived and died on idol gossip, and they ate well.
Images of Jason’s apology and Ren’s distant smile flashed through Tae Hyun’s mind like scenes from a disjointed movie. He was grateful for Jason’s willingness to smooth things over with Ren, yet the lingering tension between them weighedheavily on his shoulders.
Jason’s protectiveness and fierce loyalty were both a comfort and a source of frustration. He knew how quickly Jason could shift from charming boyfriend to a snarling wolf defending his territory, standing up to everyone who’d come for him–Ji Hoon, Min Su, and even his father. But Ren wasn’t one of those people and didn’t deserve that outburst. Not entirely. He’d simply misread their chemistry, turning it into attraction instead of friendship. His memories of watching Jason practically attack Ren at the dinner table still made him anxious.
Then again, Tae Hyun had been too quick to dismiss Jason’s concerns. He’d had plenty of time to think about it, reliving the argument as he lay alone in bed while Jason slept in another of the penthouse’s bedrooms. He’d been so caught up in the excitement of making a new friend, someone who seemed to understand the unique pressures of his world, that he’d momentarily forgotten the unconditional support Jason had always offered. The guilt lingered, a reminder of his flaws.
Because Jason wasn’t necessarily wrong. The tabloid photos could be explained away quickly enough–an innocent encounter twisted by a hungry press. But the rumors had to come from somewhere. Someone had whispered them into the ears of those eager reporters. And, while Ren seemed to be the victim, that someone could’ve easily come from Ren’s circle.
“There you are, sir.” Seong Min’s voice cut through the din, yanking Tae Hyun from his absent reverie.
“What’s up?”
Seong Min never quite achieved his brother’s stoicism, but his furrowed brow was a concerning sign. “There was sometrouble in the audience–”
Tae Hyun’s breath hitched. “Trouble?”
Seong Min nodded. “Several audience members smuggled in fabric signs with hateful messages about Ren. But the venue security promptly removed them after other audience members singled them out.”
Tae Hyun’s frown mirrored Seong Min’s as he nodded back. Say what you would about an idol’s biggest fans, but their rabid support came in handy sometimes. “They had tickets?”
“Yes, sir.”
A cold dread sank over Tae Hyun. “So, there’ll be more of them.”
Seong Min’s silence was confirmation enough. “I wouldn’t be surprised. But we’ve added additional eyes on the crowd just in case.”
The audience suddenly roared to life, signaling the end ofSweet Beast’s song. Ren’s voice boomed, leading the audience chant as the band launched into the next song in their set. Tae Hyun recognized it as the title track from their latest mini-album, which was his cue to join his dancers and prepare for his entrance.
“Walk me down to the staging area?”
Seong Min nodded, gesturing for Tae Hyun to lead the way.
“How’s Jason doing?” Tae Hyun asked over his shoulder as he vacated his quiet hiding place and found the ramp leading below the stage.
“He’s in your luxury box. Mina made sure they had a fully stocked bar.”
Tae Hyun snorted. “All she needed was a bottle of Kingston.”
“Yun Seo took care of that.”
“Good.”
Tae Hyun found his dancers gathered near the stage lift, a flurry of activity swirling around them. Costume fitters made last-minute adjustments. Makeup artists dabbed at shiny foreheads. And the energy backstage crackled with a nervous anticipation. He caught the eye of his lead sound tech, nodding to signal that he was ready for his mic and ear monitors. Seong Min hovered nearby while Tae Hyun was fitted with his gear, departing once the stage manager called out a two-minute warning.
Then the backstage lights dimmed, and the lift descended, bringing Ren andSweet Beastdown from their exhilarating set. Ren’s face was alight, a manic energy buzzing around him as he jumped off the platform.
“Tae Hyun!” Ren exclaimed as he rushed over, breathless with excitement. “That crowd is amazing!” He threw his arms wide, excitedly grinning. “I’d hug you, but I’m all sweaty.”
“You guys sounded great,” Tae Hyun agreed. Ren’s enthusiasm was contagious. He doubted Ren had even noticed the hateful signs with the stage lights in his eyes. “Now it’s my turn.”
“Knock ‘em dead!” Ren lightly smacked Tae Hyun’s shoulder before rushing to his bandmates.
