Walking down the hallway with trembling legs, Tiwa is thinking about the situation he must face now or then. He isn't sure how others will behave, but being prepared is better than ruining the rehearsal, even if he's a little late. The next concert is not that far away, and he's not only going to face his brother but also his fans. On top of that, it is one of the most extensive opportunities for their dreams when another famous singer joins them on the next stage.
As he reaches the rehearsal room, he fidgets and is surprised to find that no one has arrived except his cousins. He had thought everyone would be here rehearsing for their next concert, but the scenario is different. Perhaps it's also for the best. He gets some time to think and relax. He sighs and moves to put his bag next to Kiat's, but the beta curses disapproving words and puts his bag on the other side, maintaining a distance.
Immediately, tears well up in Tiwa's eyes. He swallows hard and pretends nothing bothers him when someone wraps their arm around his shoulders because he knows who that someone is. He puts his hand on Kay's, loosening the grip on his shoulders so he can turn around and face him. Forcing a small smile, he squeezes Kay's hand and says he's all right.
Kay narrows his eyes and gives a questioning look, a clear indication that he doesn't believe Tiwa. Because Tiwa's face clearly shows how upset he is, and his hands and legs show how trembling he is. The person who knows him well can guess his mentality, so Tiwa's not surprised when Kay doesn't buy his words.
Just as they start to get emotional again, Decha appears and embraces Tiwa, sensing his distress. Tiwa explains how nervous he is feeling, and Decha promises that things will improve soon. Tiwa smiles and appreciates the comfort and reassurance Decha provides, knowing that he can always rely on his friend in times of need.
Together, they discuss some important things about their concert until they hear loud footsteps in the hallway. Tiwa rubs his forehead, trying to keep his mind clear, and focuses on the cracked door where Jaran walks in. The mood in the room immediately shifts; a wave of tension washes over everyone.
Tiwa's heart sinks; his breath catches in his throat. All of his determination fades as he locks eyes with Jaran, who stares off into the distance with a stern expression, showing no concern for who is in front of him. The unbearable pain sets in as Tiwa realizes that Jaran is not here to listen or understand. They used to be inseparable, but now there is a palpable distance between them, a chasm that seems impossible to bridge.
Decha places a comforting hand on Tiwa's shoulder, shaking his head in encouragement and redirecting his focus to the important task they have in front of them.
The rehearsal is going awkward and lifeless, but no one comments on it. Each one stays in their own world and thinks about something, not even realizing the presence of the famous singer. The singer tries to break the tension by cracking a joke, but it falls flat. The awkwardness in the room only seems to grow. Eventually, they recognize their mistakes and apologize, taking advantage of their time to learn and create beautiful music. It's a whole new experience, but neither of them is in the mood to appreciate it.
After a few hours, they say their goodbyes and leave the room with their stuff. Immediately, pent-up emotions break down Tiwa, and unshed tears slip out of his eyes as he rushes toward his hotel room. Halfway there, Pravat approaches him and lifts his head to look at his face, which is a mask of pain. He asks, "What's wrong?"
Tiwa struggles to hold back the flood of emotions that have been building up inside him. He doesn't want Pravat to see him cry, so he quickly wipes his tears away and gives him a fake smile. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit tired."
Pravat sees through the façade, noticing how Tiwa attempts to hide his emotions. Not saying anything, he pulls him into his arms and releases his musk scent to push away the distress coming off him. His soothing hand runs across Tiwa's back and tries to comfort him. Unknowingly, new tears join the old ones already slipping down Tiwa's cheeks.
Pravat, who senses everything, reaches out with a hand to catch the tears before they can fall. They pull away and stare into each other's eyes for a time, their breathing the only sound that fills the silence. Eventually, he offers a reassuring smile and gathers Tiwa's left hand in his own before pressing a tender kiss on it and leading him to their room.
***
The evening is cool and comfortable, perfect for a relaxing night outside. Jaran and his cousins are going to a restaurant that Decha has suggested because they all need some peaceful moments to relieve the tension in their muscles. They don't care if the restaurant is a minuscule building, only large enough for a few people to be inside. Getting themselves comfortable, they sit down near the window. The fewer people surrounding them, the better.
Everyone orders their favorite dishes, while Jaran orders a bowl of Hainanese chicken rice. As they wait for their orders and eat, Decha fills the table with stories and laughter, while the betas add in some side comments. Not joining in on the conversation, Jaran thinks about all the things bothering him. It's not until the mood shifts that the omega turns his attention toward him.
"Jaran?" Decha pauses, noticing the distant look on his friend's face.
Jaran blinks, snapping back to reality as he realizes all eyes are on him. "What?" He asks, trying to conceal the turmoil swirling in his mind and taking a sip of wine from his glass.
Decha shifts in his seat and musters up the courage to speak up. "Do you not feel that you're hardening with Tiwa?"
A moment of uncomfortable silence hangs in the air. All the surrounding sounds—people chattering, the clinks and clanks of utensils and plates, the low music that plays in the background—have muted when Jaran burns with rage and clutches his glass so tight that his knuckles turn white. "He deserves it!"
"For what? To love or get love!" Decha asks, elbowing his cheek at the table, involving himself in a matter that has nothing to do with him.
A blood vessel pops behind Jaran's eyes as he gets a headache. He grits his teeth. "It's none of your business!" He fixes Decha with a hard, serious glare through the rim of a wine glass.
"I accept. But what's your business as a good brother to Tiwa?" Decha asks, his fingers tapping absentmindedly on the table. "Being blinded whenever he's in trouble?"
"Enough!" Jaran abruptly stands up, causing the table to shake and the cutlery to clatter loudly as it falls from its neatly arranged positions on their napkins. All eyes are now on him.
"Ahh, sorry," Decha says, waving his hand in apology and gracing the entire restaurant with his charming smile. "Misunderstanding. All good now! Enjoy your food, everyone!" he says, attempting to deceive others. However, Jaran sees through his façade. After apologizing, Decha turns his attention back to Jaran as the alpha is about to leave.
"Don't run from your mistakes, Jaran!" Decha says, catching Jaran by the arm before releasing it at the sight of a death glare. "Do you actually know what happened that day?" He persists, refusing to give up, even though it's not advisable for an omega to speak to an enraged alpha.
The heavy silence lingers, filled with confusion. Jaran looks at his cousins, who are mirroring his own cautionary behavior, and decides to sit down, raising an eyebrow at Decha. He doesn't anticipate anything from him, even though, deep down, his heart hopes he won't be betrayed by someone who was once his pride and joy.
"You will never believe it, even if I say so." Decha declares, his eyes sharp and knowing. It's unsettling. "So the right person who can say this... ahh, he's coming!" He stands up and waves a hand at someone who is covered except for a small space for his eyes.
The person remains still for a moment before waving back and slowly making their way toward them. Even at a distance, Jaran can sense the person's trembling and nervous energy. As they approach the table, they take a seat next to Decha and look around, visibly troubled. Decha nudges him with reassurance, prompting him to adjust his scarf to reveal more of his face.
Jaran is confused because the person is none other than Jirayu, one of the members of 'Nightless City of Music', the drummer. His heart skips a beat as he realizes something is not right. "What is he doing here? As far as I know, his band has no concerts in Seoul now." He looks at Decha with a questioning expression, wanting him to shed some light on the situation.
Decha squeezes Jirayu's hand reassuringly and demands, "Explain to this fool what's going on."
Jirayu hesitates, looking around to check if anyone eyes him. When he sees no one paying attention, he leans in closer and whispers, "I have come here without the knowledge of Wasan and Kasem. They're not what you can take lightly. They are like a snake, lurking in the grass, waiting to strike at any moment if their eyes set on something. Now their eyes are set on Tiwa, who is your pride." He continues, his voice filled with urgency. "I advise staying out of this unless my friend Decha asked me to tell you the truth because he couldn't bear to see Tiwa suffer."
As Jaran hears the words, he feels like someone is slapping him in the face. He realizes he should be in Decha's place if he is a good brother, but anger has clouded his mind. Shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, he tries to focus and listen to what he needs to know.
Looking around nervously, Jirayu whispers, "Wasan hates your band since the beginning, especially you and Tiwa. Instead of improving himself, he's focusing on yours and looking for holes to bring your band down. He spreads rumors against you occasionally, hoping you will step back. However, each time you grow stronger and prove your talent. This four-month tour has elevated you to another level in people's minds, so Wasan's plans are also escalating."
Each word starts to weigh heavily on Jaran, revealing his carelessness, sinking in like a stone. He has always suspected that there is some animosity from Wasan, but he never imagines it runs this deep. His mind races as he tries to think back on any interactions that may have triggered this hatred. Was it something he said? Something he did? Or is it simply jealousy that fuels Wasan's actions?
Jirayu shifts uncomfortably in his chair, swallowing hard as he stares at Jaran before proceeding. "From the beginning of the tour, he set up some strangers to follow Tiwa while your attention was completely focused on Pravat. That was when he discovered Tiwa's identity. He decided to use that information against him when his brother Kasem showed interest in Tiwa and expressed a desire to bring him to his bed. However, Pravat intervened and protected Tiwa, ultimately beating Kasem severely. That fueled Wasan's anger, leading him to spike Tiwa's drink with a heat inducer in hopes of making the omega vulnerable to wild alphas who could potentially gang rape him and ruin your last concert. Also, your pride!"
Jaran clasps his hands together and dips into silence, mulling over the words. All this time, he thinks his little brother is betraying him for that lunatic Pravat, but he never considers that he is betraying Tiwa's trust in him. His emotions stir something deep inside of him. He bites back the tears that are starting to form in his eyes. He closes his eyes and lets the guilt overtake him.
"Hey, are you okay?" Decha asks with concern, the worry evident in his tone as he strokes Jaran's back, making him aware he's crying unknowingly.
Jaran remains silent, consumed by guilt that tears his heart apart. He clutches the clothing above his heart, feeling the pulsing sensation in his veins becoming almost unbearable. Tears well up in his eyes once more, and he makes no effort to stop them as he regrets the injustice done to Tiwa. Unknowingly, he has caused him a great deal of pain.