Chapter Text
The set of "Fated Crescendo" buzzed with energy. The drama had become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intense portrayal of two love stories, one of which was about two male idols whose forbidden love was exposed, leading to a tragic end. Every aspect of the production was under scrutiny, but no one had anticipated the breakout popularity of the secondary couple played by—Siyeol, in the role of "Jaeheon," an idol whose secret love affair had been brutally outed to the world.
Siyeol arrived at the set, his presence immediately drawing eyes. Even dressed down in a simple hoodie and jeans, he had an undeniable aura of effortless charisma. He was here for one final duty—the press junket. The media frenzy around his character had reached unprecedented heights, overshadowing even the leads of the drama.
The moment he sat down for the interview, the cameras zoomed in, capturing every flicker of expression in his eyes. The journalist, an older man with a carefully measured tone, smiled at him.
“Siyeol-ssi, congratulations on your performance. Your role has resonated with millions. Tell me, how was it playing a gay character? Surely, it must have been incredibly difficult.”
Siyeol’s lips curled into a mischievous smirk, the kind that sent fans into a meltdown. He leaned forward slightly, exuding the confidence of someone who knew exactly what kind of reaction he would provoke.
“Difficult? Not at all.” He flicked his hair back and shrugged, his voice laced with playful arrogance. “I mean, look at me. I have incredible sex appeal, don’t I? Everyone loves me. I know I’m hot. So why would I limit myself to a whole chunk of people?”
The reporter stammered for a second, clearly not expecting such a bold response. The camera crew exchanged amused glances, knowing full well this clip was going to go viral.
The journalist coughed lightly before moving on. “Ah… I see. Well then, let’s move to another question that fans are dying to know: Are you secretly dating? If you were, how would you hide it?”
Siyeol's smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with unapologetic amusement.
“Why would I hide it?” He turned directly to the camera, his expression softening into something teasing yet sincere. “If I were dating someone, I’d look straight into this camera and say: I’m dating someone right now, and I love them soooo much. I’d marry them if I could.”
The studio erupted into laughter and cheers, knowing that the fans were going to lose their minds over this statement.
The journalist, regaining his composure, smiled. “That’s a strong declaration. And finally, what do you think about your character’s ending?”
For the first time, Siyeol’s expression shifted into something more somber. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his cocky demeanor slipping away for a moment.
“Of course, I’m sad,” he admitted, “but more than that, I felt kind of angry.”
The reporter tilted his head. “Angry? Why is that?”
Siyeol sat back, crossing his legs thoughtfully. “I get it, for the drama’s sake, it had to happen. Tragedy sells. But personally?” He leaned forward again, his voice lowering as if speaking to someone beyond the camera. “If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t just sit there and take it. I’d fight. I’d move to another country, sue the hell out of anyone who tried to hurt me or my boyfriend. There’s no way I’d let anyone lay a hand on him.”
There was a hush in the studio—not because of scandal or surprise, but because there was something deeply authentic in his words.
And just like that, the interview wrapped up.
Back at Home…
A soft glow from the television flickered in a cozy apartment. On the sofa, two figures were nestled comfortably close together, the warmth between them almost tangible. Aejoon, dressed in loose sweatpants and a fluffy oversized hoodie, had his face buried in Siyeol’s shoulder, sniffling dramatically.
“I hate that your character died,” he whined. “And now that interview just made me cry again! You’re so cute, Siyeol-ah. I love you! You’re so cuuuuute!”
Siyeol chuckled, running his fingers gently through Aejoon’s hair. “You’re really that sad over my character?”
“Of course I am!” Aejoon pouted, wiping his tears quickly before abruptly shooting up from the couch. “Oh no, I have to hurry!”
Siyeol blinked, startled by the sudden movement. “What? Where are you going?”
“I have to buy the new merch that just dropped from your drama! Everyone wants them, and last time they sold out before I could get any!”
Siyeol raised an eyebrow, incredulous. “You know I can just give them to you for free, right?”
Aejoon huffed, already slipping into his sneakers. “I know, but that takes the fun out of it!”
Siyeol sighed, already grabbing his keys. “Fine, fine. Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride to the shop.”
Aejoon’s entire face lit up with joy. “THANK YOUUUUU!”
And just like that, the night ended with Siyeol driving his overexcited boyfriend to a merch store, secretly loving every single second of it.