Chapter Text
“Do you know where you are?”
“Huh?” Donghyuck opened his eyes, his throat as dry as sandpaper. He blinked at the lights and white ceiling panels. “I’m…in a hospital.”
“Good.” The doctor patted his head and checked his pulse. “Can you read my tag?”
“Dr…Qian Kun.”
“You can call me Kun.” The doctor took some notes. “What’s your name?”
“Lee Donghyuck.” He answered. “Is the concert over? What happened?”
“You fainted at the concert. Don’t you remember?”
“I think so.”
“I’m going to prescribe you so more antibiotics. You need sleep.”
“Where…where’s my family?”
“They are outside.”
“Can I see them?”
“Not tonight. You need sleep.” Donghyuck felt the drugs in his blood stream and moaned in pain.
“You’ll see them tomorrow.” Kun shut the lights off and went out of the room. Donghyuck turned his head to see Doyoung, Ten, Trinity and Johnny outside the window. Doyoung’s shoulders were shaking as the doctor told them what he had seen. His manager sobbed into his hands, body shaking violently and Donghyuck could actually hear his sobs. Jaehyun pulled him close and hugged him, cradling his shaking body. Ten was breathing heavily, leaning against Johnny for support. Mark was looking inside the window, his hand pressed against the glass.
Donghyuck wanted to touch him, wanted to tell him everything was alright. He had no energy in his limp body and he could feel his eyes closing. Mark wiped the tears from his eyes and pressed his forehead against the glass.
“It’s okay.” He mouthed.
Donghyuck nodded. His eyelids dropped, and blackness consumed him.
*********************
When Donghyuck opened his eyes again, he felt a hand in his. Mark had fallen asleep, head rested on the hospital mattress with his body slumped in the chair. Doyoung and Jaehyun cuddled together on the sofa, also fast asleep. Donghyuck shook his hand gently.
“Donghyuck?” Mark grumbled, rubbing his eyes. “You’re awake.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“You were out for 12 hours.” Mark said. That was when Donghyuck noticed he was still in his stage clothes.
“Did you even take a shower?”
“I washed my face.”
“Oh god.” Donghyuck laughed weakly. “No wonder you smell like shit.”
“Oh my gosh my baby!!” Doyoung jolted up, almost kicking Jaehyun in the ribs as he raced to Donghyuck’s side. “Are you okay? Do you feel any pain?”
“No mom.” Donghyuck chuckled. “I’m a bit woozy but I’m okay.”
“Oh good you guys are up!” Ten, Johnny, Taeyong and someone Donghyuck had never met before came into the room. “We got you all breakfast.”
“Donghyuck, this is my boyfriend Taeil.” Taeyong said, patting Taeil’s back.
“I’d greet you but I have no energy in my arms.” Donghyuck smiled.
“It’s alright.” Taeil laughed. “I’m just happy you’re alright.”
“Where’s my bright star?!?!” Donghyuck rolled his eyes at the sound of a very familiar voice. Yuta burst into the room. “Donghyuck!! You’re alive!”
“Thank god huh.” Donghyuck winced a little. Yuta was bringing in a little too much energy for someone whose head was still spinning.
“I cannot believe this. A near death experience.” Yuta shook his head dramatically. “I rushed over as soon as I heard the news.”
“Dude I called you 12 hours ago.” Jaehyun said.
“Do you know how long it takes to fly from Tokyo to Seoul? Immigration is a bitch.”
“Stop it stop it.” Johnny said, raising his hands up. “Let’s just be glad that Donghyuck is alright, and that Lights Down Low is no.1 on the charts at the moment!!”
“Are you serious?!” Mark dropped his jaw.
“You guys are the talk of the town! My phone hasn’t blown up like this since Trinity dropped their debut album.” Johnny smiled. “Once you get out of bed, we’re going to go straight into your debut album Lee Donghyuck.”
“Hang on hang on, can’t this wait until after he recovers?” Doyoung said. “He could have died!”
“Good morning gentlemen.” Dr. Qian smiled warmly as he entered the hospital room. “I believe you have some more guests.”
“Jaemin! Jisung! Jeno!” Donghyuck smiled at the sight of his best friends.
“What are you doing here?” Mark barked at Jeno unceremoniously. Donghyuck put a hand on his arm to stop him.
“Oh gosh hyung!” Jisung gasped in relief. “We’re so glad that you are okay.”
“Donghyuck, do you remember taking anything yesterday?” Kun asked.
“Uhm, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“What did you have to eat yesterday? Tell me everything.”
“Well, I had some milk, bacon and toast for breakfast. Then a kimbap and some soup for lunch. A bit of chocolate and water. Oh and an energy drink.”
“It says here in your medical records that you are allergic to caffeine.”
“I am.”
“How much of that energy drink did you take?”
“You took an energy drink?” Doyoung eyed him. “I didn’t know that.”
“Energy drinks are full of caffeine.” Kun said. “How much of it did you drink?”
“The…whole bottle.”
The room went deadly silent. “Well, looks like it was a severe allergic reaction to caffeine. I’ll prescribe you some stronger pills, but you got lucky. If you hadn’t rushed here immediately you would have died.”
D…died?
“I’ll leave you now.” Kun bowed and walked out of the room. Doyoung grabbed Donghyuck by the shoulders.
“Where did you get that drink?”
“I…”
“It was me.” Jeno raised his hand. “I gave him the drink.”
“You fucking idiot.” Doyoung seethed. Jaehyun held his shoulders to restrain him. “Did you not know he was allergic?! You could have killed him!!”
“I’m so sorry.” Jeno bowed. “I completely forgot.”
“Oh shit.” Ten’s phone buzzed in his hand. “We have another problem.”
Mark snatched the phone from Ten’s hand and his expression dropped in horror. Photos of him and Donghyuck kissing in front of Donghyuck’s house were leaked online, with the headline HAECHAN AND MARK’S SECRET AFFAIR. He went to another site and to his horror it was the front page news. Pictures of Mark and Donghyuck, wrapped in each other’s arms as they shared an intimate moment, splayed on all the major sites for the world to see.
“Fuck fuck fuck.” Mark buried his head in his hands
“How could they?” Donghyuck stared at the phone. “How could they know? Where did they get these pictures?”
“How do they even know our house address?” Doyoung asked.
“Hey, these pictures were leaked on Twitter by someone named Daniel4Lyfe.” Johnny said, looking at his phone.
“That’s Kang Daniel’s Twitter ID.” Jaemin gasped. He turned to Jeno and grabbed his collar. “Did you give Daniel Donghyuck’s address?!”
“I…I…”
“Spit it or I swear I will box your teeth in.” Mark walked over and grabbed his shirt.
“I…did.”
“Why?” Donghyuck’s eyes were filled with tears. “Why? Why did you sell me out to him?”
“Because…because I wanted him to like me.”
That was when it hit Donghyuck with a wave of horrible realization. Jeno was in love with Daniel. He was trying to impress Daniel. He never cared about Donghyuck, instead he used Donghyuck as leverage to get closer to Daniel. He used him. All those times. It made sense.
“You…you betrayed me.” Donghyuck choked out.
Whatever that happened next was a mess. Donghyuck screamed when Mark punched him and Jeno fell to the ground. Mark cursed as he grabbed Jeno to punch him again and again until Taeil and Johnny stopped him.
“You fucking piece of shit.” Mark growled. “If you come any closer to him I will kill you. I swear to god!”
“Come on Jeno.” Jaemin and Jisung pulled him up, his face bleeding from the punch. The traitor was dragged out of the room with what was possibly a broken nose. Mark was still panting, face red with anger. Donghyuck cuddled in Doyoung’s embrace, tears flowing down his cheek.
“I’m so sorry.” Doyoung cooed.
“I can’t believe he did that.” Donghyuck sobbed into Doyoung’s shirt. “He…he could have killed me.”
“Looks like I have a Kang Daniel to deal with.” Johnny said, tucking his phone in his pocket.
“I’ll come with you.” Ten nodded.
“We’ll give you guys some privacy to work this out.” Taeyong dragged Taeil with him. “Come on Yuta.”
“But I want to watch-OW!!” The Trinity leader did not hesitate to pull the producer’s ear and drag him off.
“Oh god Hyuckie I am so sorry.” Doyoung grabbed Donghyuck’s hand, tears spilling down his cheek. “I should have protected you from all this. If I hadn’t…”
“Hyung please.” Donghyuck wiped his face. “It’s not your fault.”
“Aren’t you mad at me?”
“I thought I was,” Donghyuck remembered how broken Doyoung was the night before. He thought about how he was shaking with fear and worry. He thought about Jaehyun wrapping his strong arms around Doyoung, holding him close. “But then I realized I couldn’t.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Jesus hyung,” Donghyuck sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Wake up and smell the chicken brewing under your nose. Jaehyun hyung is in love with you, and you are too.”
Doyoung looked at the singer, gulping thickly. Jaehyun couldn’t look anywhere but down, hands tucked inside his pockets.
“Jaehyun hyung?” Donghyuck called.
“Yes?” the singer answered.
“My cousin hates cucumbers.” Donghyuck sniffled. “He eats so much but never gains a pound. He’s a blanket stealer and he nags like nobody’s business. He likes cooking and he’s good at it but he’s insecure, so always compliment him when he makes a new dish. Get a blanket and watch the Golden Girls with him when he gets sick.”
“Hyuck…” Doyoung whimpered.
“My cousin used to sleep around a lot, not because he was a playboy but because he wanted sex with no strings attached. He’s insecure about himself and doesn’t believe he deserves to be in a relationship. I know you are my senior and the hottest man in South Korea, but my cousin means the world to me. He raised me after my parents had given up on me and he is the first one to back me up no matter what. He is my family and if you hurt him I will kill you.”
“Oh Donghyuck.” Doyoung kissed Donghyuck’s hand, crying silently.
“I won’t.” Jaehyun answered. “I promise.”
“I’m tired.” Donghyuck sighed, letting his body sink back in the bed.
“Call us if you need anything.” Doyoung kissed Donghyuck’s forehead. He reached for Jaehyun’s hand and shook Mark’s as he left the room as well.
Donghyuck and Mark stared at each other. Mark wiped the tears from his face.
“Don’t say I told you so.” Donghyuck sniffled.
“I won’t.”
“Shit.” Donghyuck choked out. “I should have known this would happen.”
“I should have knocked all his teeth out. The fucking bastard.”
“What do we do?”
“About what?”
“The news.” Donghyuck said.
“Oh.” Mark sighed. “What else can we do? Let’s tell them the truth.”
“What?!” Donghyuck scoffed. “You can’t be serious.”
“Why not?”
“Your career is going to be over.”
“Because I have a boyfriend? That’s ridiculous.”
“Those antis and your fans will give you hell.”
“They already gave me hell from the beginning of my career.”
“You can’t do this.”
“Then what do I do? Tell them I’m not? No way, not after what you have been through. You deserve more than that.”
“But…why?” Donghyuck looked at him. “Why me?”
“Jesus.” Mark sighed. “You don’t know anything do you?”
“I…I don’t understand. Why risk your career for me? Why did you scout me out on the internet? Why me of all people? Why? Why?”
“Because I am in love with you, okay?” Mark snapped loudly. The silence was almost too much to bear. “I have been. Even before I met you.”
“What?” Donghyuck breathed.
“I wasn’t doing so hot when we first debut.” Mark admitted. “I had trouble sleeping. I was diagnosed with anxiety and it was hell for me. I try to keep a straight face in the public and pretend everything was okay when it wasn’t.”
“Mark, I didn’t know.”
“Yet you found out.” Mark said, taking out a pill container from his pocket. It was the same container he found in between his sheets many nights ago.
“When I saw your video on YouTube, your cover of All of the Stars, I fell asleep for the first time.” Mark explained. “After that I just kept watching your videos. I waited for every new release, every song cover. I played your voice over and over again until I fell asleep or until I felt as peace.”
“I’ll admit.” Mark swallowed thickly. “I wasn’t completely honest with you. I did ask for Johnny to bring you because you were talented, but also because… because I wanted to meet you. To say thank you. I lied about my anxiety because I didn’t want you to think less of me.”
“When you told me you had a boyfriend at the time, I was devastated, but I kept quiet. I didn’t want to ruin your happiness. Then everything just happened and before I knew it, I was in too deep. How could I watch the boy who saved me be hurt by others?”
“Mark…”
“You doubted yourself way too often for your own good.” Mark shook his head. “If only you knew how your voice saved me. How your music kept me from spiralling down this loophole. How you are the reason so many of us on the internet, including me, get up in the morning.”
Donghyuck was shaking with tears. He thought of Mark, poor, poor Mark suffering alone at night. It ached and punched him in the gut so hard. He should have known. I wish I knew.
“You are my star.” Mark smiled, kissing his hand. “And you deserve better than this.”
“I know.” Donghyuck chuckled, wiping his tears. “That’s why God sent me you.”
Mark kissed the trails of tears on Donghyuck’s tear. He kissed his eyelids, his nose, his cheeks, his forehead. He kissed him as many times as he could and Donghyuck kissed him back too. Once to thank each other. Twice to apologize. Three times to forgive. Four times to forget. Five times to remember.
*********************
To all of my fans
Yo yo! This is Mark Lee here. I just wanted to write something to all my beloved fans out there who were worried about the news that was released not too long ago. Settle in because this might get rough.
Yes it is true. Donghyuck, or Haechan as you all might know, and I are in a relationship. I knew of him as a YouTube cover artist, as I am sure many of you do too. I recommended him to the company and he became a trainee with the intention of being a famous artist one day. I was lucky to have him collaborate on Lights Down Low and we have just formed a chemistry since then. He is one of my best friends and we connect on so many levels. He makes me feel safe and secure.
Another that I must come clean is that I have also been suffering from anxiety for the past few years. I have been receiving regular treatment but for the most part I have kept this to myself in fear of worrying all of you. Now that Haechan and I are out in the open, I decided to open this part of my life too. Not to attract pity, but to be honest. Lying to all of you, the people who supported me ever since I was just a rugged underground rapper, would be the worst thing I could do. I would rather be hated for what I really am than be deemed a liar.
I’m sure all of this must be shocking to you, which is why I have decided to lay low for some time. Thank you all for your continuous support for my mixtape, which I heard topped the charts worldwide. I cannot be any more grateful for all that you have done, which also makes me incredibly apologetic to have sprung this on you.
Haechan is still recovering from illness, and I beg of you all to please respect his privacy. He doesn’t deserve the spotlight for something so unpleasant. We shall be back on our feet soon with more music to come.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark Lee
*********************
TWO MONTHS LATER
“So I told him he looked like a hamster on steroids.” Jisung cackled, grabbing a chip from the bag and popping it into his mouth.
“What happened next?” Donghyuck asked, grabbing a drink from the fridge and tossing Jaemin a bottle of soda.
“He asked me out. We’re going to a movie on Saturday.”
“Zhong Chenle asked you out? Unbelievable!” Jaemin slapped the kitchen counter harshly.
“What is it with you two and Chinese men?” Donghyuck grinned. “How was your date with Renjun, Jaemin?”
“It was great. We’re seeing each other again tomorrow.” Jaemin smiled. “Can I bring him to your debut showcase?”
“I don’t have any extra tickets.”
“Oh come on.” Jaemin pouted, grabbing Donghyuck’s arm. “Your single best friend is finally not single. Be an angel and get me an extra ticket.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Donghyuck laughed. “No promises though.”
“By the way,” Jisung wiggled his eyebrows. “Does anyone know what happened to Daniel?”
“I don’t know.” Donghyuck shook his head. “Johnny said he would deal with him but I never followed up after that.”
“He got himself a new BMW.” Jisung rolled his eyes. “Johnny paid him off handsomely to buy his silence. It’s not like he had any other pictures anyways. According to Seongwoo he deactivated his Twitter account because he was being harassed.”
“By who?”
“Daniel said ‘adoring fans who saw his shirtless picture’.” Jisung chuckled. “I’ll bet my fortune he’s lying.”
“That should be easy.” Jaemin laughed.
“What? Proving he was lying?”
“No, betting your fortune.” Jaemin teased. “All you’ve got is a couple of hundred to your name and Ironman action figures.”
“Daniel said he was going to give interviews on how he took the photos but I think everyone has had enough of his shit.”
“So he’s still a dick.” Jaemin groaned. “Hyuck you should move.”
“What for? I don’t have anything to hide anymore.” Donghyuck said. “Maybe I will when I make my first million.”
“What about Jeno?” Jisung asked. “I haven’t seen him in school.”
“He hasn’t?” Donghyuck bit his chip. He hadn’t spoken or even seen Jeno since that day he left the hospital bloodied and bruised.
“Renjun said he went on a student exchange programme to the US. I think he’s going to stay there.” Jaemin said. He turned to Donghyuck with a concerned look. “Are you still mad at him?”
“What kind of a question is that?” Jisung scowled. “He almost killed him!”
“But I think Jeno is innocent, like, he really didn’t mean to kill you.” Jaemin said. “It was a mistake.”
“A mistake he could have avoided if he paid attention to Donghyuck!” Jisung defended. “He didn’t even know Donghyuck sang for heaven’s sake. He just used him because he wanted Daniel’s attention.”
“Look guys,” Donghyuck sighed. “I haven’t decided if I will forgive him yet. I just… I just don’t want to think about it now.”
“Of course.” His two friends nodded. “You have an album coming out! That should be your priority.”
“Here’s to Donghyuck.” Jaemin raised his soda bottle to a toast. “May his debut album be a success and please get that extra ticket for me.”
“I said I’ll try.” Donghyuck rolled his eyes, laughing at all of his friends.
“To dreams coming true!” the three of them clinked their bottles in a toast.
*********************
“Well I’ll be.” Johnny nodded his head as he removed his headphones. “I’m sorry Mark, but this song is even better than Lights Down Low.”
“Impossible.” Mark scoffed. “I’m not in it.”
“Not everything with you is better sweetheart.” Donghyuck teased, tickling Mark’s chin.
“I think you have found the lead single.” Johnny said. “This song is going to complement your debut album nicely.”
“Thank you.” Donghyuck rubbed his hands in anticipation. “And thank you to my boyfriend for helping me write the lyrics.”
“I am getting paid for this right?” Mark snickered. “I don’t work for free.”
“I can pay you in kisses.”
“Kisses are not a form of currency.”
“Fine then I won’t kiss you.”
“WAIT I TAKE THAT BACK.”
“Awww you two are so cute.” Ten smiled as he came in through the door. “Now get out of here. Donghyuck has a photoshoot.”
“I’ll see you in a bit.” Donghyuck waved at Johnny and gave Mark a kiss goodbye.
“You should start getting active too.” Johnny said. “Your fans missed you.”
“I know. I saw all the support hashtags.” Mark smiled. “I will. I just want to focus a little longer on my recovery for a bit. Now that the mixtape is out it’s a weight off my shoulders and I can relax a bit.”
“Focus on yourself.”
“I know.”
Ten came back into the office. “What are you still doing here?” Ten crossed his arms. “Donghyuck has a photo shoot.”
“I’m going?” Mark pointed at himself.
“I’ll let you take over as manager for a day, only because you look like a sad puppy when you’re alone.” Ten grinned. “Go out there and accompany your boyfriend.”
Mark didn’t need a second order. He flew out of that door in an instant. Ten locked the door behind him and jumped into Johnny’s lap.
“Now I can spend time with mine.” He smiled cheekily and smashed his lips against Johnny’s.
*********************
“Do I look fat?”
“What?” Donghyuck removed his headphones and put down his magazine.
“Be honest.” Doyoung said, adjusting his shirt as he checked his reflection in the mirror. “Do I look puffier than usual?”
“You can’t be fat, the same way Ten can’t be straight and I can’t be a perfect example of God’s gift on earth.” Donghyuck grinned. “Relax, it’s just another fuck session. Jaehyun has seen you naked so many times I don’t think he cares what you wear anymore.”
“It’s not.” Doyoung sighed, running a comb through his hair. “It’s a date.”
“What did you say?” Donghyuck sat up in surprise.
“A date.”
“Kim Doyoung does dates?!?!” the youngster gasped in shock. “Who are you and give me my manager back!”
“Shut up!” Doyoung threw an old sock at him and the singer laughed. “God I’m so nervous.”
“Why the hell are you nervous? You’ve already slept with him.”
“It’s just…” Doyoung breathed. “We’re going to a formal event and he’s going to introduce me to his friends. What if they don’t like me?”
“They usually won’t.”
“Don’t be a smartass. I can and will hurt you.”
“You cried when you thought I was dying.”
“A moment of weakness. All of that is gone now.”
“Relax.” Donghyuck laughed. “If they don’t like you, just tell them to fuck off. Who needs their opinion? You’re the one sleeping with The Sexiest Man in Korea and not them.”
“Oh god.” Jaehyun was recently voted Sexiest Man in South Korea and he had a full front page photoshoot in a magazine. In the interview he hinted that he was seeing someone and wanted to make the relationship official, but Doyoung was still wary about going to the public. He might be a man with bite, but his bark was surprisingly paper thin.
The doorbell rang and Doyoung raced to answer it. Jaehyun was outside, dressed sharply in a smart tuxedo. Donghyuck could hear Doyoung hissing under his breath.
“Hello Mr. Sexy.” Donghyuck teased.
“Hello Donghyuck.” Jaehyun grinned. “I saw Mark’s car on the way here, he’ll arrive in a couple of minutes.”
“Sure.”
“You look amazing.” Jaehyun said, stroking Doyoung’s hair.
“Thank you.” Doyoung blushed. “I’ll be back by midnight Donghyuck.”
“Alone or with Jaehyun?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll be back so you better not make a mess of this place.”
“Okay.”
“Dinner is in the microwave just heat it up if you’re hungry.”
“Fine.”
“You two better not put your hands down anybody’s pants. If I find a condom in the rubbish bin tomorrow morning I’m going to kill you.”
“That’s hypocritical coming from somebody who used it the most.” Donghyuck rolled his eyes.
“Hi guys.” Mark bounced into the house, waving at everyone. “You two look great! Going out?”
“Yep.”
“Have a good time then.”
“Call me if you need anything!” Doyoung waved as Jaehyun dragged him out to the curb and Mark closed the door behind them. The two youngsters giggled as Donghyuck made way for Mark to cuddle him.
“How was your MV meeting?” Mark asked.
“It was nice, although I need a lead.” Donghyuck said, stroking Mark’s hair. “It’s no fun singing a song about love without an actual male lead.”
“Who are you thinking of then?”
“Do you know Song Joongki?” Donghyuck asked. “Maybe I can ask him.” He laughed at Mark’s fallen expression and kissed him.
“Song Joongki has moved to an island in the Caribbean and is never coming back.”
“Oh, and when did he move?”
“Yesterday.”
“You are so cute when you’re jealous.” Donghyuck teased. “Of course I don’t want Song Joongki!”
“You don’t?”
“No!” Donghyuck shook his head. “I was thinking of Park Bogum.”
“Come here!” Mark grabbed the singer by the waist and tickled him. The two of them played tickle fight until they were both rolling on the floor, panting and wheezing.
*********************
“Don’t distract me.” Donghyuck whined, trying to shake off Mark Lee who was currently peppering kisses along the back of his neck. “I’m trying to make dinner.”
“I’d rather eat you.”
“Shut up.” Donghyuck blushed. “If Doyoung finds out he’s going to kill me.”
Mark scoffed. “He shouldn’t judge. Jaehyun’s car is still in front of the house.”
“But they left an hour ago.”
“Exactly. And the windows are fogged.”
“Fine.” Donghyuck pushed a button on the microwave and turned around to face him. “You have three minutes until dinner is ready.”
“I don’t need three minutes.” Mark slid his hands under Donghyuck’s shirt, rubbing his skin and licking his lips. “I’ll need a lifetime.”
*********************
“This is it.” Doyoung’s eyes pricked with tears. “This is the moment I have been waiting for. Oh my god I’m crying.”
“Why are you crying?” Ten rolled his eyes. “Donghyuck is the one performing, not you.”
“My baby is having his debut showcase. He’s going to be an artist I am so proud!!”
“Please don’t kiss me.” Donghyuck pushed Doyoung away as the stylists fussed over his outfit. They were back in the stadium, the same one Donghyuck passed out in three months later, only this time it was for Donghyuck’s sell-out debut showcase. “I don’t want those lips to ruin my makeup, especially since they have touched Jaehyun’s dick.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Jaehyun smirked. Doyoung slapped his arm playfully.
“Hey!” Taeyong’s sing-song voice came through as he walked in with Taeil in tow, carrying flowers and congratulatory wreaths. “Congratulations on your debut!”
“Thank you hyung!” Donghyuck gave Taeyong a tight hug.
“I am so excited for this!” Taeyong shook his hand tightly. “I heard your album last night and it was amazing. It’s going to be a hit.”
“Thank you!” Donghyuck grinned. He rubbed Taeyong’s hands and noticed something. “Hyung, what’s this ring?”
“Oh.” Taeyong turned back at Taeil, who was smiling proudly. “I guess the secret’s out.”
“Are you engaged?!” Donghyuck asked with his jaw dropped.
“HYUNG!!” Ten, Doyoung and Jaehyun stared at him in utter shock.
“You’re not the only ones who can keep a secret.” Taeil laughed at them.
“OH MY GOD!!!” The leader of Trinity was enveloped in hugs and kisses. “Congratulations!!!”
“What about me? I’m the one who bought the ring!” Taeil whined.
“Donghyuck, it’s time.” Johnny knocked on the door, breaking up the hugging party. “Are you ready to go?”
“I guess.” Donghyuck breathed. “Wish me luck!” he walked out of the dressing room, body aflame with adrenaline. He knew Jaemin and Jisung were in the crowd with their dates, cheering him on excitedly. He got to the edge of the corridor and saw Mark standing there waiting for him. He jumped into his arms and kissed him.
“I’ll walk you to the stage.”
The two of them walked hand-in-hand. Crowds chanting HAECHAN HAECHAN rang through the stadium and Donghyuck’s heart felt like it could fall out of it’s cage. When they arrived, Mark gave him one more kiss and let his hands go.
“Go.” He said. “Be the star you want to be.”
Donghyuck nodded. The stage door slid open and the crowds screamed his name. He took the microphone in his hands and stepped out. The minute he brought the microphone to his lips, his world changed forever.