I'd Follow You Anywhere

The End

The next week social media was a buzz with the pictures of Santa and Earth kissing in the green room. They had been released online by an anonymous anti. The fans who had been shipping them rejoiced, but the ones who had been hating on them were even more vicious than before. The comments on their social media pages were filled with insults and hate speech.

Santa and Earth were devastated. They had tried to keep their relationship private, but now it was out in the open for the world to see. They knew they would face consequences for it, and the thought made their stomachs turn.

The agency was quick to deny the rumors and claimed that the kiss was just a scene for the series they were filming. Santa and Earth knew it was a lie, but they didn't want to cause any trouble for the agency.

This time the hate didn't die down. Every time Santa and Earth had a schedule there were people ready to scrutinise every moment. Earth was receiving most of the comments, all of them about his age in relation to Santa. No matter how many times people tried to explain, tried to tell them that things were different in Thailand, it kept on going.

A week later Santa and Earth hadn't left their respective condo's. Until late one night Earth heard a small tap on his door.

Santa stood nervously in the doorway of Earth's condo, fidgeting with his hands. He knew what he was about to do would be painful, but it was the right thing to do. He took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door.

Earth answered the door with a smile, but it quickly faded when he saw the look on Santa's face. He knew something was wrong.

"What's going on?" Earth asked, concern in his voice.

Santa took another deep breath before looking up at Earth with tears in his eyes. "I think we need to talk," he said softly. "Can I come in?"

Earth nodded and stepped aside to let Santa in. The tension was thick as they made their way to the living room, both of them feeling the weight of what was about to happen.

Once they were seated, Santa took a deep breath before starting to speak. "I think we need to break up," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Earth's heart sank at Santa's words. He had been hoping that this was just a temporary setback, that they could work through their problems and be together again. But now he knew that was never going to happen.

"Why?" Earth asked, his voice choked with emotion.

Santa took another deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "The hate is just too much," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't handle it anymore. I thought I could, but I was wrong. I feel guilty for what they're saying about you. Your reputation is being destroyed every minute they think we're together."

Earth nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I understand," he said, his voice barely audible. "I've been feeling the same way. I'm so worried how much this is going to affect you in the future. You're so new to the scene. You have your whole career ahead of you. All the things you want to achieve." A muffled sob came from Earth before he continued. "I'm sorry this happened to you, to us."

Santa pulled Earth to him. Not wanting him to feel sorry. "Please don't ever be sorry, none of this was your fault. Don't be sorry for loving me." He begged.

The two sat in a silenced embrace for a few minutes, both lost in their own thoughts and emotions. The weight of the situation was almost suffocating.

Finally, Earth spoke up. "I just want you to know that I will always love you," he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Santa nodded, tears streaming down his own face. "I will always love you too," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The two sat there entangled for a what felt like forever, lost in their own thoughts and emotions, not knowing who's tears where who's on their shirts. Santa cocooned his arms around Earth as if to protect him. Neither one wanted this moment to end.

Eventually, they stopped crying and the low sounds of Earth's heavy breathing made Santa realise he had fallen asleep. Santa tightened his grip around Earth and remained still.

A little while later, Santa laid Earth on his sofa. He pulled a blanket from the back and draped it over him. Santa sat on the floor besides Earth and stroked his head. He rubbed the wrinkles between Earth's eyebrows to stop him from frowning. The tears started silently flowing down Santa's cheeks again.

Before getting up to leave Santa kissed Earth lightly in the spot he had just been rubbing. "I love you," Earth mumbled in his sleep. "I'm sorry" he said again as Santa made his way to the door.

Earth woke suddenly from his sleep, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness wash over him. The love of his life walked out the door, and he didn't know if he would ever see him again.