Page 58 of Idol Lives
Tae Hyun reached out, his fingers gently tracing the worry lines on Jason’s forehead. “You’re more than just an actor, hyung.” His soft voice hummed in his chest. “You’re capable, intelligent, and you care. So much.”
Jason closed his eyes, soothed by Tae Hyun’s gentle touch. “I don’t feel capable,” he admitted. “I never have. I feel lost. My father was a shark. I’m not like that.”
Tae Hyun pulled him tighter, his grip warm and reassuring. “No, you’re a wolf, hyung. You care deeply. And you never hesitate to step in when someone you love is in trouble. You have a good heart, and that’s what matters.” He squeezed Jason again. “We’ll figure this out together. You and me. Just like always.”
Jason leaned into Tae Hyun’s grasp, a sense of peace settling over him for the first time in days. Maybe, he thought as he fell asleep, he really could do this.
Jason woke with a start, blinking against the morning sunlight streaming through the penthouse windows. He felt more rested than he had in days, the weight of his worries momentarily lifted by a night of peaceful slumber in Tae Hyun’s arms. He glanced over at his sleeping boyfriend, the gentle rise and fall of his chest a soothing rhythm. He couldn’t resist reaching out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Tae Hyun’s forehead.
Their morning routine was a comfortable dance of shared space and unspoken understanding. Breakfast was a mostly quiet affair, their companionable silence broken only by mundane chat about the details of the day’s schedule. Neither of them brought up any of the previous day’s events, holding to a silent agreement to focus on the day ahead.
As they arrived at the Xinyi Dome, the scene outside was noticeably different. Protesters, now confined behind temporary fencing and under the watchful eyes of uniformed officers, continued their chants and waved their hateful signs. Seong Hyeon, true to his word, had set up additional security checkpoints in the loading dock, checking the bags andclothing of tour staff as they reported for duty.
After walking Tae Hyun to his dressing room, Jason left him to get ready and made his way towards the stage. Ren was already there, his voice echoing through the empty arena as he ran through a vocal warm-up. Jason watched from the wings, his back tightening with unease. But he couldn’t dispute the idol’s undeniable chemistry and stage presence, the raw charisma that Tae Hyun had clearly been drawn to.
As if sensing Jason’s eyes on him, Ren made a beeline for him the moment he stepped offstage, a bright smile plastered on his face. “Hey, Jason!” he exclaimed, a bit too loud and enthusiastic. “Looking sharp today!”
Jason managed a tight smile, swallowing the automatic retort that bubbled to his lips. “Thanks.” The last thing he wanted was a one-on-one with his would-be rival.
But Ren didn’t seem to take the hint. “Did you two get any sleep last night?” He winked, nudging Jason with his shoulder. “Or, was it all fucking?”
Jason quietly huffed, guarding himself from letting Ren push his buttons. “We slept fine, thanks.” He deliberately stepped back, distancing himself from the infuriatingly charming idol.
Ren didn’t miss a beat, taking Jason’s brush off in stride. “I’ll bet, after everything that happened yesterday.” His expression shifted, furrowed brows briefly replacing his breezy smile. “I can hardly believe someone did that to Tae Hyun.” He snorted. “You know what’s funny? I have an all-white outfit, too. I’m glad that didn’t happen during my set.” He knowingly smirked. “White’s not exactly forgiving.”
Jason bristled at Ren’s insensitive joke, tightly squeezing his hand into a fist, more to put his irritation somewhere besides his face than to throw a punch. He was ready for that, too.But he knew Ren was trying to provoke him and wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
Thankfully, Tae Hyun appeared backstage, a whirlwind of energy and sunshine that saved Jason from having to respond. Ren’s focus instantly shifted, his gaze locking onto Tae Hyun with a possessiveness that sent a chill down Jason’s spine. Jason watched as the two fell into an easy conversation, laughter and jokes flowing between them like a well-rehearsed routine. He wanted to pull Tae Hyun away, to shield him from Ren’s attention. But he’d promised to trust Tae Hyun, to let him navigate his own friendships.
Jason’s gaze hardened as Tae Hyun and Ren continued catching up. He saw the way Ren leaned in. The way his hand brushed against Tae Hyun’s arm. All the casual touches that felt loaded with meaning. He wanted to believe in Tae Hyun, but the image of Ren’s smile, that hint of triumph in his eyes, made it challenging. He had to remind himself of Naomi’s words, of Tae Hyun’s gentle reassurance. But the seed of suspicion, once planted, was proving difficult to uproot. Only Tae Hyun’s occasional loving glances and smiles at Jason kept him from walking away.
“I could see you stewing over here.” Tae Hyun’s voice broke through Jason’s thoughts. He’d somehow pulled himself from Ren’s orbit, a mischievous smile on his lips as he leaned in to kiss Jason’s cheek. “But I doubt Ren noticed.”
“I doubt Ren notices anything but himself,” Jason grumbled, unable to completely hide the bitterness in his tone.
Tae Hyun laughed off Jason’s dig at Ren. “He’s not that bad. I’ve met plenty of idols who are a hundred times worse.” He gently poked at Jason’s chest. “And actors.”
Jason wanted to be mad, but Tae Hyun’s friendly teasingcompletely disarmed his anger. “I don’t know what you mean.” He grinned. “I was never like that.”
Tae Hyun suggestively traced a path down Jason’s chest. “No, you’ve always been a total angel, hyung.” He leaned in closer, his words a husky whisper against Jason’s ear. “My avenging angel.”
After Tae Hyun’s flawless soundcheck, Jason joined him and the dancers for a meal break. And he caught a few of Tae Hyun’s jealous glances as the dancers all fawned over him, reminding him of why he was rarely allowed to attend dance practices. It was a nice bit of turnaround that Jason tried not to enjoy. They met with Tae Hyun’s wardrobe team next, who confirmed that the paint-stained costume was beyond salvage. Thankfully, Tae Hyun had duplicates that he rotated through between shows.
As the showtime countdown ticked down, it was finally time for Jason to head to his luxury box and enjoy the performance. They parted ways with a passionate kiss in Tae Hyun’s dressing room before Andre and Carlos walked Jason to his suite. He was surprised to see Yun Seo there, too.
“Tae Hyun said I could have the night off,” Yun Seo explained. “After everything yesterday, I feel like I need it.”
Jason knowingly chuckled as he went to the bar. “I hear that. Drink?”
Yun Seo shrugged. “Something light? I don’t want to get too drunk.”
Jason nodded and mixed her a gin and tonic. “Hoping to catch a little time with Seong Min?”
Yun Seo huffed. “No chance of that. Not with all the new tour security.”
Jason shared a sad smile as he handed Yun Seo her drink andsank into the plush leather couch beside her. “Sorry. People keep finding new and interesting ways to attack your brother.”
Yun Seo’s face contorted into a surprised frown as she sipped her drink. “Ew. What is this?”
