The crowd’s energy crackled like electricity, but beneath the roar lingered a heavy undercurrent of worry. Zarion stood on the stage, his left hand raised in a hesitant farewell. The sight of the bloodstained bandage wrapped around his wrist caught everyone’s attention. A collective gasp rippled through the stadium, voices rising in frantic concern, confusion etched on every face.

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and despite his iron will, a single tear slipped free, tracing a fragile path down his cheek. That small moment of vulnerability sliced through the noise, breaking the hearts of everyone who adored him.

He gripped the microphone tightly, fingers trembling as he leaned forward, burying his face against the cool metal, trying desperately to hold himself together. The weight of the performance, the pain, the unrelenting pressure—it felt unbearable.

For a heartbeat, the stadium fell silent. Zarion’s breath came in shallow, ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling unevenly. Then, slowly, his gaze lifted, searching for one face—a single beacon of comfort amid the storm. And there, across the sea of fans, his eyes locked with Alden’s. In that brief, silent moment, a wordless conversation passed between them.

No. No. Please, Zarion, don’t stand there again. That lake will take you away from me, Alden’s desperate thoughts raced, his heart breaking with every note of the song. Why did you write such a painful song? It’s tearing me apart. How do I even tell you the truth? The man you fell for… he’s not normal. There’s something forbidden about him, something I can’t explain. Please don’t leave me. Without your love, I’ll wither—because you are my whole heart.

Tears spilled down Alden’s cheeks as the song carried on, each lyric driving deeper into his soul. His chest tightened, his lips trembling as he sank further into the music—and the pain it brought. He hadn’t been ready for this. Maybe that was why he hadn’t listened until now. The song wasn’t just words—it was shattering him.

Why? Akalon wondered silently, watching Alden unravel. Why is this song breaking him like this? His eyes narrowed as he caught the mention of a cliff. Could Zarion be the boy from that cliff? Did he try to end it? A surge of frustrated anger bubbled up. That idiot. I knew something was between them.

Akalon stayed silent, letting Alden fall apart while quietly crumbling himself.

Kaelith leaned in, voice barely a whisper, tinged with concern. “Why is he crying like that?” He glanced from Alden to Zarion, eyes wide with worry. He hadn’t been moved like this by the song.

“No use worrying,” Akalon smirked. “Just sit back and watch the drama of two lovers.”

“Lovers?” Kaelith’s eyes darted between Alden and Zarion, puzzled. “How could a fan and an idol be lovers when they’ve never met? If Zarion’s his lover… then what about that cliff boy?” His heart thudded as he pieced together the mystery.

Meanwhile, Zarion’s heart twisted as he watched Alden—his honey-dipped eyes brimming with tears. Don’t cry, love, he thought, the pain in Alden’s gaze shattering him. Without realizing how deeply he’d fallen, Zarion took a step forward, pushing through the crowd.

The stadium erupted in louder cheers, fans shouting his name, “I love you!” and reaching for his hands. But Zarion ignored them all. His eyes stayed locked on Alden’s seat.

“Kieran, zoom in! What’s he doing?” Alaric’s voice trembled with worry.

“He’s walking toward Alden’s seat!” Kieran’s eyes never left the screen.

“God, he’s crazy! Does whatever he wants, and we’re left cleaning up the mess. Tomorrow, there’ll be pictures all over social media—maybe even the news,” Alaric panicked.

Oblivious to Zarion approaching, Alden’s head hung low, tears tracing silent paths down his face. Guilt, confusion, and frustration weighed heavily on him—too much to bear. Then, a pair of polished designer shoes appeared in his line of sight, halting before him.

Slowly, he raised his eyes, meeting Zarion’s intense gaze. In that instant, Alden’s tears poured harder, choking him with silent confessions—feelings tangled with blame, betrayal, and a deep love he couldn’t hide. He hated himself for this moment, yet the tears wouldn’t stop.

Zarion’s fingers gently cupped Alden’s face, wiping away the tears with tender care. He patted Alden’s head—a small gesture, but enough to shatter Alden’s defenses. Without thinking, Alden threw his arms around Zarion, his tears flowing freely as the walls he’d built crumbled.

Zarion’s eyes welled up in response, feeling the rawness of Alden’s pain.

Slowly, Zarion eased Alden back, holding him at arm’s length before pulling him into a tight embrace. His chin rested on Alden’s shoulder, whispering where no one else could hear, “You should’ve told me you didn’t want to see me again.”

Each word was a sharp arrow piercing Alden’s fragile heart.

Alden pulled back, voice caught in his throat. He searched Zarion’s eyes, unable to speak.

Around them, the crowd held its breath, watching the fan cling to the idol with such vulnerability. The intensity of Alden’s heartbreak was unbearable—rare and raw.

“Don’t cry, my dear,” Zarion murmured, wiping away the last of Alden’s tears. His voice carried gently over the mic, a cover for the crowd to believe it was just a fan’s moment. Bodyguards moved in quickly, forming a barrier.

Alaric lost his composure completely. “He’s driving me insane, Kie!” he shouted, fists clenched tight, frustration spilling over.

“We can handle this,” Kieran said with quiet determination. “I’ll send our men to bring all three backstage. Once they’re inside, Zarion will finish the concert.” Alaric nodded without hesitation.

Minutes later, three figures were ushered backstage silently, purpose clear. As soon as they were inside, Alden collapsed, tears streaming as he clung to Akalon.

Akalon opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Kieran’s voice, soft and full of an unexpected tenderness.

“My little star,” Kieran called, his voice laced with a longing he couldn’t hide. Beneath the sweetness was frustration, an ache born of years buried deep. He wanted answers—why Alden had left, what had happened, and why he thought Kieran hated him. Why?

That voice—Alden’s mind spun, heart pounding in his chest. Big brother? His red, tear-streaked eyes searched wildly.

Kieran stepped forward, concern and exasperation mingling in his tone. “Why are you crying, idiot? You just found your secret place.” Without waiting, he pulled Alden into a fierce hug, as if holding him tight could heal everything.

Akalon and Kaelith watched silently, the tension thick between the three.

“How do you know? You never believed me!” Alden’s voice cracked, hurt bleeding through.

Kieran didn’t recoil. Instead, he tightened his embrace. “Big brother’s sorry for not trusting you,” he murmured, voice breaking under the weight. “I just couldn’t believe it. But now… will you forgive me? Stay with me, Alden. Don’t leave me alone.”

The tears he fought to hold back threatened to spill. Vulnerability rarely surfaced in Kieran, but now it was impossible to hide.

Akalon clenched his fists, watching Kieran’s pain, anger simmering beneath his concern. Alden, you’re my best friend, but those tears… they’re breaking us all.

Alden didn’t answer. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the warmth of Kieran’s arms. The familiar scent—the pheromones of his brother—wrapped around him like a balm, soothing restless memories and forgotten childhood moments.

He breathed deeply, locking that scent deep in his heart.

“Say something, Aldy,” Kieran urged, voice edged with fading patience. He longed for his brother’s voice—the one that once brought him comfort. But all he got was silence, and eyes clouded with sadness, unable to see the beauty he still treasured.