Chapter 41 - Good Morning, Ah Shun

Shun was trying really hard not to scream at this lady. He was never that great when it came to being cornered and questioned. This was what his eldest brother did best. Politics and mediating between kingdoms, but him? He tried and it ended with bruises on him and the other prince from a different kingdom.

"There is nothing fake. Everything is real," Ping stated, "I was sad so I cried. Mama and baba said there is nothing wrong with crying."

"But you are a boy, Ping, are you not? Boys are not supposed to cry."

"Who says?" Ping frowned with dipped brow, "Crying is normal for girls and boys!"

"I agree," Shun interrupted whatever the stupid reporter was going to say, "Why is it okay for girls to cry and not boys? To answer your question, Ping is right. Nothing, as far as we know, is fake. The situation with Heeang… We all forgave one another. It is the past. To our fans," Shun smiled, "We thank you for your continued support. Fighting! Thank you."

Grabbing Ping, he stepped away and toward Jin who was just a foot away from them. The idol was posing with the trickle of fans that somehow knew the backway of the restaurant, but his ears were on that female reporter. He was going to find out who she was and what she knew.

Saying goodbyes to his fans, he entered the car that finally arrived. Ping and Shun followed suit and when the door closed, they all sighed melting into the seat.

"Are all the reporters so… nosey?" Shun questioned and leaned forward to look at Jin.

"Some are respectful, others not so much," the idol admitted and Shun sighed with a nod.

During the drive back, his brown eyes kept looking at the pinkette. He wanted to ask about the idols relationship with Gina and whoever this Lisa was. He wasn't jealous! He was just… nosey!

However, the look on Jin's face… maybe he should ask when there are no cameras recording them.

'That would be the bathroom…'

Shun suddenly felt his face hot the more he thought about being alone, away from the cameras, with the idol prince. Alone. Alone where he could… where they could…

Emerald eyes glanced at him and smiled, making Shun squeeze his hands, only to earn a yelp from Ping. The boy was holding his hand and felt the squeeze, causing big brown eyes to stare at him with a pout.

"Sorry," Shun offered an apologetic smile and avoided the pinkette's eyes the rest of the drive back.

By the time they returned to the secluded building, the others were there waiting. They were animated talking about the sites they saw, the things they did, and Shun inwardly sighed. Maybe one day he would be able to check out the zoo and an amusement park too. The 1Luv group spoke to them a bit more on longevity and making sure to always find their passions, before they left.

Once the three of them were in their own car, no cameras, no mics, their smiles dropped.

"They're good kids," Yanny stated.

"Too green, Yan. They would get eaten alive," Pengu stated crossing his arms before glaring at the pinkette, "Just like us."

Yanny sighed and Jin ignored the comment. His green eyes just looked out the window as the trees left for buildings and skyscrapers. He remembered his best friend and former band member Genu full of smiles and laughter. Closing his eyes, he missed his friend. He made a mental note to visit the man's grave when he returned.

It was the least he could do.

Somewhere on the web, Xiong Shun's Official Fan Account had posted an auction for a white handkerchief with a smear of sauce. The caption said: SPECIAL! This was used to wipe Shun Shun's face on Episode 9! Auction starts at $5,000 for the next 3 hours and will be donated to the Children Orphanage in his hometown! So, what are you waiting for? Put in your bet!

It was a success. Within 3 hours, it was sold to someone who had bid $24,000. ==

Shun had woken up early, too early. He couldn't really sleep and he turned to the boy beside him. Ping was snoring and so was everyone else. Were they that exhausted that they couldn't mute their snores? Groaning, he slipped out of bed and ruffled his hair. As he entered the opened kitchen, he heard Prince Peter's voice.

"Good morning, Ah Shun."

"Mm, morning," Shun mumbled with his back to the television as he made tea, "Hm? When did you start say-"

He… This wasn't real. There was no way he was looking at a smiling Prince Peter. Why must this stupid witch play with his heart! And to have Prince Peter look as perfect as Prince Peter was?! He covered his face and rubbed it some more, but the face continued to smile at him unperturbed.

'I told you, witch! Don't put his face! Now how can I even concentrate on being an idol for your stupid game!' He whined and slumped onto the barstool.

"Ah Shun, do you wish to see your status?"

'Don't… Don't call me Ah Shun. I can't take it,' he cried and covered his eyes.

"Prince Shun," Prince Peter corrected, "Would you like to see your status?"

'Sure….'

"Fans accumulated 13440/1,000,000. Health 68%. Stress 59%. Memory 39%. Singing level 3/4. Dancing level 2/4. Dancing ability 39%. Singing ability 43%. Confidence 49%. Charisma 41%. Wish to see overall status?"

'Holy crap! 13,000 fans?! When did that happen?!'

"Fans updated 2.4 seconds ago. Wish to see star meter?"

'Yes.'

"Idol Popstar status: 31%. Wish to see tasks?"

'Sure.'

"Available tasks: 1. 29/100 pictures to Instame. 2. Win competition."

'Wait… I didn't add anymore while I am here… What was the amount before I joined the show?'

"24."

'…'

"…"

'Did someone get into my account?'

"Not available."

'Is there anything I can do to prevent it? Like, use my points I acquired? How much do I have?"

"Data unavailable."

'… You literally only come to give me my status…'

"And show you my face. Enjoy your day, Prince Shun."

Shun saw the television returned to the blank screen it was before. It… It was odd speaking to a face now and a face of his princely crush. A part of him preened at the attention of the prince, but he also knew this was some sort of sick joke from the witch. Still… Prince Peter was a beauty to look at and his voice was soothing his mind.

'Wait… Did… Did he just joked with me?' Shun blinked wide brown eyes at the television screen. Wiping his face, he inwardly whined with a pout.

'I hate you stupid witch! I hate to so much! Wahhhahh!'

He turned to the footsteps entering the kitchen.

"You're up early," Heeang, that sneaky monkey sounded as if he didn't just woke up, "I wonder what we will do today."

"Dunno, maybe more mentors will show up."

"I hope so! That was so cool getting to meet 1Luv! They were on a break for so long because Genu had passed away. I wonder if Suu Jin is going to return to the group or just be a feature on some of the songs," the young boy pratted on, "I bet he doesn't even want to come back. It was his fault you know, that Genu died."

"What?" Shun frowned.