The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Distance

"Okay guys, enough questions for today." Hiding his fatigue, Gun smiles politely at the reporters and cameramen alike.

"Just one more thing, P'Gun! Is your relationship really okay? P'Off looked pretty reluctant to be seen with you at the red carpet."

Gun considers to just ignore it, but then he feels the need to set things straight. Though not as loud as earlier, the hate directed at Off has been dragging for far too long. "We're completely fine, he's just not in the mood."

"Do you know that your fans have been demanding for answers? What do you think about the know-your-place and treat-him-right hashtags regarding your boyfriend?"

"Nonsense. Papii treats me with respect and—"

"They said your chemistry with P'Oab looked more real!"

"And that P'Oab treats you a hundred times better than P'Off!"

"And a player like P'Off doesn't deserve you!"

They get wilder bombarding him with questions, and Gun sighs silently as he composes himself. "Guys, guys. That's enough—"

"He's taking you for granted, isn't he??"

"Please give us your comment on this matter, P'Gun!"

"Hey, HEY! Step back!" Off appears from behind Gun, stepping forward to snap at the reporters closing in and invading the small guy's private space. "You all deaf?! He said that's enough!"

"Papii!" Surprised, Gun hastily pulls Off behind him, glancing worriedly at the cameras still recording the whole scene. "Calm down."

"Calm down?! They're close enough to assault you!"

"Papii!" Gun hisses, eyes darting frantically across the half-deserted grand auditorium for help. "Don't make a scene, please." He catches Bright standing a few steps from them and waves him over, mouthing the word 'help'.

"Me?! They're the one harassing you!"

"Let's talk later, okay, Papii?" Gun massages the muscles in Off's shoulder in a relaxing way.

"Is this what you called 'fine', P'Gun? Him, yelling at you in public?"

"So rude .... Does he by any chance have anger management issue?"

"Calling me rude while you're the one talking as if I'm not here!" Off growls at the reporters.

Bright comes over fast, and—reading the situation—drags Off to the side as Gun addresses the crowd curtly, "Please, excuse him. He's not usually like this, but then again, it's not everyday people throw fake rumors and talk rudely in his face. And we've just had a long, tiring day, so I'd really appreciate it if you'll all excuse me. For real, this time. Good night."

*

"Get off me, Ai Bai! You bastard!" Off trashes around, but Bright's having none of it. He makes sure they're out of the press' radar before letting his phi go.

"Sat, what're you doing?!" Off grabs Bright's collar in anger.

"No, what're you doing, Phi?" Bright shakes him off calmly.

"Aw! They're being very rude and disrespectful toward Gun, so I step up because apparently he's no balls to do that!"

"What you're doing back then, P'Off, is just proving them right." Bright speaks calmly. "Listen, the press doesn't care about the truth. They only hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see. What do you think they'd make of after your fit?"