TRENDING! #AreTheyDating

IltaeOnTop: Guys, it's confirmed👌They're dating. #SymbolOfFaith #RickYoungsoo
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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Elieliphant:@IltaeOnTop source???
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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ IltaeOnTop:@Elieliphant source: me

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Today's News
Symbol Of Faith: Actors Rick and Kim Youngsoo's Chemistry Sparks Real-Life Romance Rumors

12.25k posts

Top Posts

RicksWife: Just finished ep 4 and ohmygosh I cant breathe!! Their chemistry is everything, no other actor can pull off the way Rick was yearning for Youngsoo. Just fuck already!

User0125: they're def dating irl lolol did yall watch the behind the scenes? rick never took his eyes off youngsoo

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Pinkclouds:@User0125 fr😍even during their interviews that man was so ready to risk it all

Schultaeiss: Shipping them is fun, but don't invent a relationship where friendship already exists. Taeui is too kind to ever date someone like Rick anyway.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jnskmb:@Schultaeiss wdym someone like Rick lmaooo

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Schultaeiss:@Jnskmb No hate to him but so many production staff say Rick's attitude is different on and off set. Most of his former co-actors won't even work with him anymore.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Haribooh:@Schultaeiss gurl I doubt taeui would be close friends with rick if he has a shit attitude.

Suitesailing3: The behind the scenes from ep 2 is my 13th reason why. I don’t trust people who can’t even trip without looking romantic. Report.

Beefsteak: Even a blind person can see they love each other. Rick almost kissed Taeui during the promotional shoot😵😵You’re telling me that level of intimacy is just friendship???

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ LovelyTae:@Beefsteak You know what professionalism is?

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Beefsteak:@LovelyTae Rick is already rearranging Taeui’s guts and ya’ll still call it professionalism.

IltaeOnTop: Guys, it's confirmed👌They're dating. #SymbolOfFaith #RickYoungsoo

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Elieliphant:@IltaeOnTop source???

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ IltaeOnTop:@Elieliphant source: me

ShinEraiza: ILTAE IS REAL. FIGHT ME.

Sundried: That's 12k+ delusional fans

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Sodapop:@Sundried (K)im(Y)oung(S)oo

Taeui snorted as he scrolled through the posts on twitter. Watching fans fight for their favorite pair can be so cute like their lives were on the line. Well, he cant blame them, Taeui can also relate to liking something a lot. Some of the posts were funny too, and he ended up liking them— using his anonymous account, of course— and a few others, even if they were a little bit mean. Taeui still found them entertaining nonetheless.

When he got bored he switched over to naver. There, honestly, netizens were a little meaner and had a lot more to say about their personal lives rather than the series itself. One comment he read under an article titled “Rick’s first bl drama” said:

[He tasted Youngsoo and wanted Taeui.]

Taeui snickered. He read more, even the ones denying their possible relationship outside the drama.

[This is weird lol they're grown men doing their job. Don't be delusional.]

[Acting so good everyone thinks it's real.]

[How can Rick date that man when he's married to me????]

[On camera? Yes! In real life? NOOO!!!]

[I hope Rick announces getting married to a woman soon so people would shut up lol]

[This comment was deleted after multiple reports.]

[Laughing at your faces once they confirm they're dating :P]

The fan debate was fascinating. The 'not dating' side was winning because Ilay was just too good at maintaining that act of respect.

"’We are colleagues who respect each other's craft,’" Taeui murmured, mocking Ilay’s quote during yesterday’s interview. "You are such a liar, Ilay Riegrow."

Ilay stirred instantly, reacting to the sound of his real name spoken softly in the dark. His pitch black eyes cracked open, focusing blearily on Taeui.

"Taeui?" The voice was rough from sleep. “What happened?”

"Sorry, I woke you up," Taeui whispered.

Ilay blinked once, stretched slowly like a big cat, and then pulled himself closer, tucking his chin over Taeui’s shoulder.

"Aren't you tired? What are you reading, hm? " Ilay mumbled into the curve of Taeui’s neck, his breath warm.

"Oh, just the comments," Taeui replied, holding the phone up slightly so Ilay could see the bright screen, currently showcasing a fan-made compilation video of their best on-screen moments from Symbol of Faith. "It’s hilarious."

Ilay squinted at the screen, recognizing the ost music and the close-ups of them holding hands at a game show.

Then the video cut to a tender forehead kiss from the drama, followed immediately by a clip of them laughing together during a behind-the-scenes sequence.

“Isnt that sweet,” Ilay noted. “You like these things?”

“I like that they enjoy us working together,” Taeui clarified, scrolling past the video to the comment section. “Look how supportive they are.”

He pointed to a comment that read: [Rick’s eyes never leave Taeui, I swear they’re in love.]

Ilay smirked, a genuine, private expression that never made it onto a red carpet. “Are you sure it's just about work?” He gently nipped Taeui's earlobe.

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Taeui said, scrolling down further. “Dont you know? They keep saying you're a pro with the fan service, especially with me.”

Ilay started to pepper soft kisses along the delicate skin behind Taeui’s ear. “I must be very good at my job, then. But you're aware I've never thought about anyone until I saw you as a rookie. That's not very professional of me, is it, Taeui?”

Taeui swatted lightly at his shoulder, though it lacked any real force. “Be serious. People genuinely believe in your whole respectful persona.”

“Because I am,” Ilay defended, pulling Taeui’s phone hand down so he could slot himself more tightly against Taeui’s back. “I am willing to lie a little to the entire world so they don’t bother you.” His arm around Taeui’s middle tightened possessively.

“Wow. Such a caring lover you are, Rick.”

Not getting the hint that Taeui was just being sarcastic, Ilay hums a sound of joy. As if he got praised.

“But I also don't mind letting them know. Just so you don't feel like you have to tiptoe around so much.”

Taeui’s heart gave a sudden, nervous flutter. He knew Ilay wasn’t joking. Ilay had zero patience for unnecessary secrecy, but he tolerated it for Taeui’s sake, and for the sake of their professional boundaries that protected their careers. Though mostly it was for Taeui whose country didn't take too kindly to openly gay celebrities.

“Ilay,” Taeui turned his head slightly to look at him. “You can’t. Think about your image. You’re A-list in eight countries. Imagine the headlines. You’d get so much backlash, especially from older industries. Aren't you scared about the sponsors—”

Ilay cut him off with a quiet, decisive sound. “I don’t care about the sponsors, Taeui. Nothing is worth worrying about.”

Honestly, knowing Ilay, Taeui should've expected that mentioning anything related to the entertainment industry is pretty much useless. This crazy bastard was not just that but also, quite frankly, shameless and thick-skinned. Not that Taeui minded but sometimes he wonders if Ilay ever worried about anything apart from what Taeui is doing when they’re not together.

Ilay went for a kiss but Taeui dodged it with a little shift. “This is your job we're talking about.”

“I only went into this industry because my family thought it would fit me. It's not a loss for me if I suddenly quit.” Said Ilay, obviously displeased with Taeui’s actions.

What a diamond spoon. Taeui knew Kyle would cry if Ilay suddenly announced he was quitting acting and doing God-knows-what. Taeui sighed. He couldn't really argue with what Ilay said, not when there’s that gleam in his eye; the one that meant he was about to say something reckless.

“If I quit tomorrow, I can just spend all my time spoiling you.”

"You're not going to quit acting just to spoil me, Ilay. That's ridiculous."

"Why not? I'd be great at it. I'd buy you a villa, and we could live there, just the two of us, with no one to bother us."

Taeui chuckled, shaking his head. "And what would we do there, hmm? Spend our days lounging and watching the sunset?"

Taeui was kidding, of course, but Ilay didn't seem to understand that. His tone was filled with mock seriousness. "If that’s what you want. A place with a library and cinema room, just for you. You could spend your days however you wish, and I'd spend mine keeping you happy."

"Dont tempt me, Ilay. But I think I'd get bored in a private villa. I like my life here, with my work and you, of course."

Ilay's face nuzzled the back of Taeui's neck, his lips grazing the blushing skin. "I'm glad you like your life, Taeui. But I'm serious about one thing— I don't care about this industry or the public's opinion. I'll choose you, every time."

They both knew this. From the very start, Ilay always prioritized Taeui under everyone’s noses, and he knew Ilay would keep doing so. But the fear for his lover lingered. “Oh, sure, sure. It’s always me, huh? Your agency will be so furious if they hear you.”

“Pfft. My agency? Have you forgotten who I am?”

“No, Ilay, your brother wont be able to stop the public outrage if your die hard fans find out you’re dating a man.” Ilay grunts while Taeui pinches his nose. “It’s going to be hell for everyone, whether you like it or not.”

Ilay let out a soft sigh, pulling Taeui closer still, until there was barely any space between them. “They can be furious, it is my life. I have worked hard for this,” he said, as he buried his face in Taeui’s hair. “For you. All of it led to you.” He tightened his embrace, the beats of his heart a steady thrum against his lover’s back.

“Now, put that thing away.”

Taeui grunts, refusing to do as he’s told. “Wait, lemme read the rest—”

“No, Taei. Sleep. Come on, how can you ignore me like this? Do you love your fans more than me?”

Ilay took the phone gently from Taeui’s hand and placed it on the nightstand, silencing the notifications and turning it off. He rearranged their bodies until Taeui was properly cocooned, his front now flush against Ilay’s chest and arms wrapped around each other.

Taeui’s muffled voice came. “You’re so childish..” His face in Ilay’s clothes. Their legs were tangled in the sheets.

“Enough internet poison,” Ilay muttered, burying his nose in Taeui’s silky dark hair, inhaling the scent of the shampoo they both use. “Close your eyes.”

Taeui sighed, content, letting his smaller body sag into the embrace of his lover.

Ilay began a slow stroke along Taeui’s arm, his fingers tracing patterns on his skin— a habit Taeui found instantly soothing. It helped put him to sleep. “Dont worry too much. It won't be the first time the public will make such a fuss.”

“I worry because I love you.” Taeui mumbled. He was already halfway to losing consciousness.

“I know.” Ilay whispered when he heard the start of a soft snore. “But only you matter.”

Ilay waited until he was certain Taeui was fully settled into sleep, his face relaxed and peaceful.

Then a smile spread across Ilay’s face.

He carefully reached for his personal phone—the one that wasn’t tied to his PR team and manager. He angled the device high above them, ensuring the frame captured the silhouette of Taeui’s head resting exactly where it belonged: on Ilay’s shoulder. His own white-blond hair against the pillows. The room was dark, lit only by the faint light of the rising sun through the blackout curtains, giving the image a raw and intimate quality. Ilay’s protective arm was still securely fastened around Taeui’s waist.

He didn't crop out the corner of Taeui’s ear or the slight shadow on his own jaw.

Ilay opened his deserted Instagram, selected the photo, and typed a single— bold— caption:

@ilayriegrow: It’s about time @jjeong_tay

He hit ‘Post.’

The single photo landed in the feeds of millions across Asia and Europe at 5:37 AM KST. For the fans engaged in the debate, it was the social media equivalent of Ilay releasing a live grenade in a crowded place.

Suddenly everyone was wide awake because it only took 3 minutes for them to go trending.

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