Chapter Text
Pon scrolled down, skimming through the comments with a sinking feeling. While some fans were supportive, others seemed harsh, accusing him of overstepping Sailub’s boundaries. "He should know better. He’s an idol; it’s all about respect." Another comment hit him harder:*"Pon used to be more careful. What’s changed? Did the fame get to him?"
He swallowed the lump forming in his throat. He had only meant to keep things lively and fun, but reading the harsh criticism made his chest tighten. He was supposed to be an idol, someone fans could look up to. His actions had clearly missed the mark, and he couldn’t shake the ache growing in his heart.
Just then, warm arms wrapped around him from behind, pulling him back into a gentle embrace. Sailub’s familiar scent surrounded him, easing some of his tension. “Ai’Noo, what are you reading?” Sailub’s voice was soft, with a playful edge, as he placed light kisses along Pon’s cheek.
Pon closed his eyes and leaned into Sailub’s embrace, letting himself melt into the comfort of his presence. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting Sailub to worry or read into the negativity that was affecting him. “Nothing, Lung,” he murmured, trying to keep his voice light. “Just some fan comments from the live.”
“Mm,” Sailub hummed against his cheek, tightening his arms around Pon. “Just remember, they don’t know you like I do.” Sailub’s kisses were tender, as if sensing Pon’s need for comfort without fully knowing why.
Pon’s heart swelled with warmth, though a faint sting lingered. He silently promised himself to be more mindful next time, to make sure he respected Sailub’s boundaries. But he didn’t say any of this out loud, choosing instead to savor this quiet moment.
As they sat together, Sailub’s arms wrapped around him, Pon felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would keep Sailub’s comfort at the forefront, but for now, he let himself relax, grateful for Sailub’s quiet strength and unwavering support.
Pon had been careful since that night, watching his actions with a more mindful eye, yet doing his best to keep his feelings hidden from Sailub. He didn’t want Sailub worrying or thinking he had to change his own behavior because of a few fan comments. Pon was determined to handle it himself, subtly adapting, paying attention to boundaries, and keeping the energy fun without crossing any lines.
At the next fan meet, he was doing just that—chatting, smiling, and engaging with fans while Sailub stood close by. Sailub seemed unusually affectionate that day, staying right beside him, a hand often resting on his shoulder or at the small of his back, something that made Pon’s heart race but also sent a spark of worry. He didn’t want Sailub to notice his guardedness.
But then, Sailub reached over, suddenly pulling Pon close and holding up Pon’s phone in front of them. “Ai’Noo, smile for me!” he said, his tone playful and soft, a warmth in his eyes that made Pon’s breath catch.
Pon’s face flushed as he processed what was happening, the camera flashing just as he blinked in surprise. His shocked expression made Sailub chuckle, and Pon quickly recovered, smiling just as Sailub took another photo. Pon didn’t know how to feel—he was grateful for the attention, yet his mind went back to those comments, reminding himself to be cautious.
But then a fan called his name, snapping him back to the present. “Pon!” a young woman beamed at him from across the table, holding out a handmade gift. “I made this for you! I hope you like it.”
Pon’s face softened as he took the gift, a small, intricately folded paper flower in his favorite color. “Wow, this is beautiful! Thank you so much.” He glanced at Sailub, who was smiling quietly, his gaze warm and proud.
The fan grinned back, and another fan nearby chimed in, “You two look so good together! You’re so lucky to have each other!”
Pon felt his cheeks heat up, sneaking a glance at Sailub, who only grinned wider. Sailub slipped an arm around Pon, pulling him closer and murmuring, “I am lucky, aren’t I?”
Pon smiled shyly, the warmth in Sailub’s words filling him with quiet joy. The fans around them cheered, snapping photos and swooning at the interaction, while Pon realized that sometimes, being in the spotlight with Sailub wasn’t something he had to handle alone. With Sailub by his side, he could find a balance between being the idol the fans admired and being himself.
----
Sailub watched Pon out of the corner of his eye, noticing the way Pon had been slightly restrained, just a touch more guarded than usual. To most, it would have been unnoticeable, but to Sailub, who knew Pon’s every habit, it was obvious. Pon had been more careful with his actions, and though subtle, Sailub recognized it as the telltale sign of self-consciousness, as if Pon were holding back.
After snapping the photo of Pon, Sailub leaned over, quickly typing a caption and posting it to Twitter. The photo was a little blurry, capturing Pon mid-laugh, his cheeks flushed in surprise, and Sailub couldn’t help but feel proud seeing his Ai’Noo so full of life.
The caption read: “Captured this myself, so no one else can have this moment with my Ai’Noo. Don’t make him question his actions, or you’ll be questioning mine. #AiNooLove”
The tweet instantly caught fire, with fans flooding the post with comments, many expressing delight at Sailub’s open affection. Others commented on how natural they seemed together, how his tweet was a clear message of support and protection for Pon. Sailub didn’t care if it trended or not; he wanted his words out there for everyone to see.
Pon was still engaged with fans, laughing and signing gifts, unaware of the tweet. Sailub watched him, heart swelling at how gracious and genuine he was with every fan who approached. Seeing the small worries Pon had lately took some of the light out of his usual spirit had made Sailub all the more determined to let the world know how much he appreciated Pon, unfiltered and unguarded.
A moment later, Pon glanced over, catching Sailub’s softened expression. “What are you looking at, Lung?” he asked, grinning, unaware of the ripple Sailub’s post was already creating online.
Sailub smiled, pulling him in for another candid photo, this time wrapping an arm around Pon’s shoulders. “Just my Ai’Noo, exactly as he is. Don’t change, Pon. I’m right here with you.”
Pon blushed, but the lingering worry melted as he leaned into Sailub’s side. With Sailub by his side, he didn’t need to keep up any guard. Sailub had his back, always.
As they entered their rooms after the fan meet, Pon felt a lightness in his chest, though his mind was still buzzing from the day. Sailub had been unusually affectionate, and the moment they shared felt comforting in a way he hadn’t expected. Still, Pon was trying to shake off the unease from earlier, but it lingered in the back of his mind.
Pon started unbuttoning his jacket, preparing to relax, when his manager—who had been watching him closely all day—let out a soft giggle from across the room.
Pon raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”
The manager smirked, still chuckling under his breath. “You’re not even going to check your Twitter? You should check it, Ai’Noo. It’s… quite something.”
Pon felt a sudden wave of curiosity, though he tried to play it cool. "What are you talking about?"
The manager just gave him a teasing smile. "You’ll see for yourself. Go ahead and check."
Pon furrowed his brow, feeling a slight anxiety creeping up again. He reached for his phone, only to realize it wasn’t where he had left it. His heart skipped a beat. He turned to Sailub, who had just sat down on the bed, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Lung,” Pon asked, trying to keep his tone light, “Do you know where my phone is?”
Sailub didn’t say a word, just slid the phone into Pon’s hands with a grin. Pon took it, still confused, and unlocked it. The first thing he saw was a flood of notifications, but one caught his eye—Sailub’s tweet, the photo of them from earlier, accompanied by the caption that left no room for misinterpretation.
*"Captured this perfect moment myself. Don’t ever question my Ai’Noo’s heart or actions. He’s perfect to me, exactly as he is."*
Pon’s face immediately went red. His heart raced, and he couldn’t stop the rush of warmth flooding his cheeks. His fingers trembled slightly as he read through the replies, many of which were full of admiration for the couple, but others teasingly commenting on how Sailub was clearly declaring his love in the most public way possible.
“Phi, what’s this?” Pon stammered, glancing at Sailub in shock.
Sailub, ever the composed one, simply chuckled at Pon’s reaction. “It’s nothing, Ai’Noo. Just my way of saying I love you. Is that such a big deal?” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he leaned closer, pulling Pon into his arms.
Pon blinked, his cheeks burning hotter. "You—you really put that on Twitter?"
"Well, yes," Sailub said casually, before leaning in and planting soft kisses on Pon’s cheeks, starting from his forehead and working his way down. "I’m not going to let anyone make you doubt yourself. Not when I know how wonderful you are. You don’t need to second-guess your actions with me, Ai’Noo. You’ve got nothing to prove to anyone but yourself." He peppered more kisses over Pon’s flushed face, his voice full of affection. "And I love you just as you are, no matter what anyone else thinks."
Pon’s heart raced even faster, the warmth of Sailub’s affection melting away the last of his lingering uncertainty. He leaned into Sailub’s kisses, his earlier anxiety fading. “Lung, you didn’t have to—”
"I wanted to, Pon," Sailub murmured, his lips brushing against Pon’s ear. "Don’t you ever doubt how much I care for you. If it means making everyone know just how much I love you, then so be it. Let them talk; it doesn’t matter when you’ve got me by your side."
Pon smiled, feeling both comforted and embarrassed, yet strangely reassured. His phone buzzed again with more notifications, but he wasn’t focused on those anymore. Sailub had made his point loud and clear, and as Pon leaned into him, basking in his warmth, he realized that maybe he didn’t need to worry so much after all.
Sailub would always be there to make sure Pon knew exactly where he stood in his heart. And that, for the first time in a long while, was enough.