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.