Beyond the Stage (BANGCHAN)

21: Going Public

The days following their private discussions were filled with mounting tension for Jen and Bangchan. Despite their best efforts to maintain a low profile, the scrutiny from fans and media persisted. Stays' curiosity and demands for answers about their relationship only grew louder and more persistent.

One evening, as Jen sat in her apartment scrolling through comments on social media, her phone rang. It was Bangchan. "Hey, can I come over? I need to talk to you."

A mix of emotions flooded Jen as she answered, "Sure, come on up."

Minutes later, Bangchan arrived, looking determined yet apprehensive. He took a seat next to Jen, his expression serious. "Jen, I've been thinking... I can't stand seeing you like this, under so much pressure. Stays are not letting up, and it's taking a toll on you."

Jen nodded, unable to hide her worry. "I know. I'm trying to stay strong, but..."

Bangchan took her hand gently. "I think it's time."

Confusion flickered across Jen's face. "Time for what?"

He met her gaze, his voice steady. "Time to let them know. To let everyone know about us."

Jen's heart skipped a beat. "Bangchan, are you sure? We didn't discuss this..."

"I know we didn't, officially," Bangchan admitted, "but I can't watch you suffer like this anymore. I want to stand up for us."

She searched his eyes, finding both fear and determination there. "What if it makes things worse?"

Bangchan sighed, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "It might, but we can't keep hiding forever. Stays deserve to know the truth, and I want them to hear it from me."

Jen felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Fear, uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope. "Okay," she finally said softly. "Let's do it."

The next day, Bangchan sat before the camera for a scheduled live broadcast on social media. Stays flooded the comments section with questions and speculations about Jen, their relationship, and the recent backlash. Bangchan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what he was about to do.

"Hey Stays," he began, his voice steady but tinged with nerves. "I've noticed there have been a lot of questions lately, and I want to address them."

The comments scrolled rapidly, a mix of surprise, support, and skepticism.

Bangchan read aloud some of the comments. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?", "Is it true you're dating Jen?", "Why did you keep it a secret?", "Are you worried about your image?"

He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "I understand your concerns. Jen and I have been in a relationship for some time now, and we chose to keep it private for personal reasons."

More comments flooded in, some supportive, others more critical. Bangchan's hands trembled slightly as he continued to address the questions.

"I care deeply for Jen," he said earnestly. "She's an incredible person who brings so much joy into my life. We've chosen now to share our relationship with you because we believe in being open and honest with our fans."

As he spoke, Jen watched nervously from off-screen, her heart pounding with each word he said. She knew the risks they were taking, but hearing Bangchan speak so openly about their relationship filled her with pride and gratitude.

Bangchan took a moment to acknowledge the supportive comments. "Thank you for understanding and for your kind words. I hope we can continue to grow together as a community."

As the broadcast came to an end, Bangchan turned off the camera and looked at Jen with a small, nervous smile. "We did it."

She nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Yeah, we did."