Chapter 16 - It Was Just A Hug!

He could not eat anymore. His stomach was hurting not from the meal, but from all the trouble that fell on him. He was losing a friend, possibly both. He was being slandered for millions of people to see. He might not get into the competition now because of this.

Everything was falling apart.

"Come. We should talk."

Jin said softly like an angel would, but it only made his heart hurt more. Of course, they needed to talk. He ran away again after they made out. Of course, Jin was going to tell him to leave him alone. Jin was going to say he was useless, worthless, did not deserve any of the time wasted. He didn't bother checking his phone. He was sure his confidence level was close to 0% at this point.

So, sitting on the couch and looking down at his feet, his body was so tensed like the pulled string of a bow.

"Is it true?"

"…"

"Shun. The article. You've seen it, probably how you got punched. Is it true. You and Wen Dong are together."

"No."

"You and Wen Dong slept together."

"No."

"The hug was because-"

"No!" Shun shouted turning to the pinkette with his hands fisted and eyes watering with frustration, "This is slander. I cannot believe people will believe such gossip! This Allie person does not even know me or Ah Dong. How could she just make something like this up?!"

Suu Jin saw the anger flowing out of Xiong Shun and he understood where it was coming from. He had been there before many times. Taking a deep breath, he placed a hand on the fisted one.

"This will happen more than once, Shun. You will get angry and pissed off. You may want to punch someone for it, but they are just rumors. It is easy for people to make things up, especially when you are popular."

"I'm not popular."

"You are becoming popular," Jin stated, "You will be having eyes on you and even more when you become an idol and not a trainee. Do you understand? Everywhere you go, you have to present yourself well. If you don't, then this will happen."

"It was just a hug! Hugging is normal. Ping and I hug all the time! Why was my hug with Wen Dong different? I don't get it, Senior Jin. I don't get it," Shun wiped his face with his sleeves, "It's so stupid."

"It is publicity," Jin sighed and hummed to himself, "Why don't you go live and explain what was happening at the bench. You know the truth and your fans will understand."

Sighing, Shun closed his eyes and leaned his head on the top of the couch. He was sure if Suu Jin told his fans, they would believe him, but his fans… Some already left him just from a stupid gossip that wasn't true. He opened his eyes and tilted his head to the side, where the idol sat. Green eyes watched and he looked down.

"This was why you said we… this had to be a secret."

"Mm."

"It would ruin your career like mine…"

"Your career is not ruined yet, Shun."

"What… What is this?"

Shun whispered and the perfect prince sighed. He felt fingers wiped his drying tears and he looked away.

"I don't know," Jin admitted.

Shun found himself laughing with a nod, "Same. Alright. I'll go home and… go live. Wish me luck!"

He stood up and Jin followed him to the door. A hand on the doorknob, he was about to turn it when Jin's hand landed on his. He felt the soft press of lips on his and his heart fluttered.

"Good luck."

Jin pulled away and Shun felt his face was so hot, he could cook meat on it. Opening the door and sending out a meek thank you, he left to his car. His heart was beating so hard, he thought he was going to pass out. Taking deep breaths, he found his lips stretching all the way to his home. Now in the comfort of his room, he sat at the desk and took a moment before texting Wen Dong.

"I'm going live to explain what happened."

He waited to see if his friend would reply, but he did not receive anything. Frowning, he felt anger filled him. This was not just his mess. This was not his fault. Wen Dong should go live with him and-

He heard the notification that his friend had gone live. Quickly clicking on Wen Dong's stream, he was happy so many people were watching his friend, but his excitement quickly died. What… What exactly was Wen Dong saying about him?!

"I just never thought this would happen. I mean, I love Shun, but not like that. I don't see why you all think from our hug, he had feeling for me," Wen Dong frowned and was looking at the flooded chat, "I don't even know. He never told me he likes anyone. He usually hangs with me and Ah Ping. What? Shun isn't like that! Wait… What are you talking about?"

He saw brown eyes widened and he wondered what his friend had read.

"Listen. Shun is a good guy. He works really hard and if you are lucky, he would let you into his little world too. What? Of course I was angry that article happened. If Shun wasn't so popular now, we wouldn't have a creep taking pictures of us. What? What are you saying? Of course we hug."

Shun covered his face. This was just getting worse by the minute. If Wen Dong keeps talking, he was sure there would be more gossip pages and-

His phone rang and he looked to see it was Suu Jin.

"Senior Jin?"

He could hear voices in the background and the sound of Wen Dong through the phone.

"Get on live with him."

"What? How?"

"Write it in the chat. If he doesn't see it, the viewers will. When you get on, squash the rumors and talk about your friendship. Highlight that."

"Jin! What are you doing? Get your makeup done before we record. We all can't wait on you," a voice spoke up and Shun frowned at whoever that was.

'How could they speak to Jin like that? He is a prince! He is the perfect idol!'

"I have to leave. Go on. Do it, Shun."

"Okay."

They hung up and Shun took a deep breath before writing in the chat.

"Wen Dong, it's Shun.. Let me join you live."