𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐓 [𝟏] 𝐃𝐞𝐣𝐚 𝐯𝐮 || 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟒

POV Minho

I stare at the interviewer sitting across from me, who is about to ask the fateful question.

I've finally agreed to my manager's proposal. Firstly, because now that Daiyu is fired, I won't risk "ruining" her career anymore, and secondly, because many Gold fans are crying foul.

— So, Lee Know, can you explain your relationship with former Silver Tears member Daiyu ?

I smile politely and bring the microphone closer to my lips.

— To start with, I don't incite any hatred towards her. We got together after I broke up with Shizuka.

— This wasn't made public ? the interviewer asks.

I shake my head and continue :

— She blackmailed me : if I didn't stay with her, she would find ways to harm members of her group and mine if necessary. She was dead serious about it.

I sigh and go on :

— She had just turned nineteen, and besides the fact that I'm twenty-two and dating a newly legal adult, I needed to act like an adult and take charge.

I exhale, trembling, aware that I could potentially ruin my group's career with my words, but it's too late, the wheel is already in motion.

— I decided to break up after an argument, I say, avoiding mentioning Beomgyu, unsure if he wants to be named. After that, the accident happened, and I realized I truly loved Shizuka.

— Did you get back together then ?

I nod and look at the camera.

— You know the rest. She refused, and that's where we stand. Nevertheless, Stay and Gold, please be happy for us. We're just two people living our love.

I bow and leave the room.

Hope I haven't screwed up.

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

— Good news, you're not hated or cursed, Changbin declares, scrolling through an article on his phone. Bad news, Daiyu is still in the soup.

I roll my eyes, no longer surprised.

— Why is that bad news ?

— I don't know, I just said it like that because 'Good news and good news' sounded off.

I chuckle at his logic, and he reads me the article.

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

— She really forced a staff member to write her apology letter ?

— Seems like it.

We stare at each other for a moment before sighing simultaneously.

— At least she made another statement, that's something.

He purses his lips, and I take his hand.

— Are you okay ? How are you coping with her departure ?

— It's sad. We could have continued as a group together if she hadn't been blinded by her desire for fame. I still have some empathy for her. After all, we've known each other since trainee days.

I nod and stroke the back of her hand with my thumb.

— That's normal. She was like a little sister during those years.

She lets out another sigh, tears in her eyes.

— It's weird to realize.

I sympathize with her and lean my face closer to hers to kiss her.

— Everything will be fine. You said it yourself.

— And I also need to focus on getting better, she adds.

— One thing at a time.

She looks at me and gives a small smile before tapping my shoulder.

— Copycat.

We laugh together, and I find myself admiring her face as she looks at me silently.

— Minho.

— Yes ?

— Don't listen to what people say. I love your eyes. And your gaze.

She places her hand on my cheek, and I cover it with mine.

— And also, thanks to Sumalee for fixing your hair color.

— She said faded red was a no-go.

— She was right.

She giggles and fixes a few stray strands of hair.

— I love you, Minho.

— I love you too, Shizuka. Thank you for forgiving me.

She laughs and gives me a mischievous smile.

— Firstly, you should thank me for not kissing Soobin outright.

I roll my eyes and smirk, but my half-smile betrays my amusement.

— I was foolish and immature.

— That was just a few months ago.

— I've matured, I assure you, I say, mimicking a serious face.

She kisses me before resting her forehead against mine.

— Minho.

— Yes ?

— Can you get me a bottle of soda ?

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

— And so ?

She's still on the call with their manager, who is giving her the latest updates about Daiyu.

— She's decided to return to China. She'll collect her belongings tomorrow.

— We're going out tomorrow, she announces.

She ends the call, and I notice she's already stressing about the impending confrontation.

Their last moments as seven.