~~Two Days Later…~~

“ASH, we’re ready for you. Come on down!”

“All right.”

Yi-an took a deep breath as he stood up from his seat. He honestly couldn’t understand why he was always so nervous when this was already his seventh anniversary since debuting. Fidgeting with his mic, Yi-an flashed a sweet smile to his team as everyone smiled back with encouragement and excitement. Placing a hand over his thrumming heart, the famous K-pop idol sauntered out of his waiting room and made his way down to the stage while passersby gawked at him in wonder. Everything was going to be okay. He just had to have fun with it, like always! …Right?

His road manager bumped him on the shoulder, a proud grin on her lips. “Don’t worry, you’ll do great! Believe in yourself!”

“... That’s easier said than done, noona.”

“Haha! You always say that but end up enjoying the performance anyway.”

“Whatever!”

“Pfft. When we’re done with the promotional period, I’ll buy you all the KBBQ you want! Okay?”

“Noona, you do realize I’m not the 18-year-old kid you met, right?”

“You’ll always be a kid to me~!” she sang, pinching his squishy cheek, “Hehe, there’s that smile I wanted to see! Now, go break a leg! Woo them with your voice! HWAITING my baby!!!!”

Embarrassed by his road manager’s cheers, Yi-an ran away in shame as his backup dancers giggled at their cute interaction. Honestly, ASH was so adorable at times!

Standing on the dark stage, the singer hesitantly glanced up to see a wave of lights and the deafening cheers of his fans eagerly waiting for him. His heart thumped with gratitude and love as a shy smile painted over his lips. This was the reason why he could never quit his job. The presence of his fans was always so comforting and warm, like a snug blanket. It was truly a gift that so many people shared the same passion for his music.

All the tension in his muscles slowly relaxed as the music began to play. His face glowing radiantly, Yi-an stepped under the bright lights as the roars of his fans shook the entire stadium. 

🎶It has to be you~ You’re the only one who can make me smile~🎶

~~~

~~Few Hours Later, S&H Group~~

Min sighed as he loosened his tie from his neck. That old geezer was hellbent on killing him, wasn’t he? How could he send over so many documents to review? Putting the cap back on his fountain pen, Min absentmindedly gazed out his office window. It was already well past midnight, and Min was the only one left at the office. The twinkling skyline in the distance seemed to mock him for being cooped up in the office the last few days. 

“Ha! If I knew he would work me to death, I wouldn’t have returned….”

Min trailed off, his heart panging with guilt. Ever since he found out that Yi-an was being gaslighted by his entertainment company, Min had been determined to set the record straight, yet… As much as he wanted to run to Yi-an and explain the situation, the heir couldn’t bring himself to do it. Every scenario Min imagined for the past week always ended with Yi-an glowering back at him with betrayal and disgust. How could he hurt Yi-an twice, all for his selfish desire?

“...I just don’t know what to do anymore….”

“Dude, you’re still here? The chairman is probably waiting for you.”

Jumping in his seat, Min glared at Joon-woo, who merely stared back with an innocent expression. That idiot, why didn’t he ever knock before popping out of nowhere?! Letting out an annoyed huff, Min closed the document he was looking at before he grabbed his suit jacket from the coat hanger. Staying in the office wasn’t going to solve any of his problems, anyway.

“Next time, knock, will you?”

“Why? It’s not like you’re doing anything. Besides, it’s your family’s ancestral rites today.”

“... Never mind. By the way, I’ll take Kong-i home next week–”

Joon-woo raised an eyebrow at Min, who froze in his tracks as he stared at the billboard across his office. Curious about what had taken away his friend’s attention, the secretary sauntered over and rolled his eyes. Ugh, of course; what else was he expecting? Yi-an’s comeback performance was playing on the massive screen. What was he supposed to do with this idiot?

“Min, tell me the truth. You have feelings for ASH, don’t you?”

“... Why do you keep asking me that?”

Joon-woo let out an exasperated sigh as he turned to face his friend, who was still staring at the billboard. “Why do you think I keep asking? No matter how close you were to someone, why would you be so desperate to see him again? Unless you’re in love, your behavior doesn’t make sense!”

“Joon-woo, I told you before. It’s not like that. Yi-an… he’s the only person who understood me. I don’t expect you or anyone else to understand, but he’s someone I owe a lot to.”

“What?! Then what about me?!” Joon-woo gaped at Min, who let out an exasperated sigh.

“That’s not what I–”

“Ugh, forget it. You’re such an idiot.” Joon-woo muttered as he walked towards the door when he paused and placed a set of car keys on the coffee table, “I heard ASH headed back to GOLD Entertainment after his last schedule… I’ll make sure the chairman doesn’t find out.”

Shutting the door behind him, Joon-woo massaged the back of his neck in annoyance. He side-glanced back at Min’s office and groaned. How could that idiot not even realize his feelings when it was so obvious?

“...Chairman Yoon, I honestly don’t think I can do what you’ve asked… My idiot friend is hopelessly in love.”