Hidden Love [WilliamEst]

Chapter 7

A few weeks had passed since Nut stepped back from his feelings, and things between William and Est seemed to have settled into a comfortable rhythm. They enjoyed their secret moments together, stealing kisses in hidden corners of their shared workplace, quiet nights at Est’s place, and whispered words of love when no one else could hear.

But the bliss didn’t last long.

The first sign of trouble came one afternoon when LYKN was at the studio for a recording session. Est had finished his shooting early and decided to visit William, hoping to surprise him with a quiet lunch break. As soon as he walked through the lobby of the building, though, he noticed something was off. A group of fans had gathered near the entrance—common enough for LYKN’s popularity—but the way they were whispering and staring at him made his stomach churn.

Est tried to brush it off. He was used to being recognized, after all. But as he walked toward the elevator, he overheard a few fans giggling and one of them whispering, “Do you think it’s true? Is Est really using William for attention?”

His steps faltered, and for a moment, his heart sank. He kept walking, trying to ignore the murmurs, but the words stuck with him.

When he finally reached William’s dressing room, the members were on a break, lounging around as usual. William was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, his face lighting up the second Est walked in.

“Hey, phi,” William greeted him with a smile, standing up to pull him into a quick hug. “You’re early.”

Est hugged him back, but his mind was still clouded by the whispers he’d heard. “Yeah, I thought I’d surprise you,” he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady.

William sensed something was off immediately. He stepped back and looked at Est’s face, concern flickering in his eyes. “What's wrong?”

Est hesitated, not wanting to bring it up and ruin their time together. But the gnawing feeling in his chest wouldn’t go away. He sighed, glancing toward the door before meeting William’s gaze. “I overheard some fans talking just now. They... they said I might be using you for attention.”

William’s expression darkened instantly. He grabbed Est’s hand, pulling him closer. “They said what?”

Est shook his head quickly. “It’s just rumors. I’m sure it’s nothing. I shouldn’t let it bother me.”

But William’s jaw was clenched, his protective side flaring up immediately. “No. It’s not nothing. They have no idea what they’re talking about.”

Lego, who was near them, overheard and chimed in, leaning forward with a smirk. “Oh, the fans? You know how they are, phi. Always making up stories.”

Est forced a smile, but deep down, the rumors had already taken root, sowing seeds of doubt. He hated that this was happening—that people were questioning his relationship with William, doubting his feelings. He had always been careful, knowing how much pressure came with dating a public figure, but no matter how cautious they were, rumors seemed inevitable.

William saw the flicker of worry in Est’s eyes and immediately pulled him aside, away from the group. “Hey,” he said softly, cupping Est’s face in his hands. “Don’t listen to them. They don’t know anything about us. You and I—what we have—it’s real.”

Est nodded, leaning into William’s touch, but the unease still gnawed at him. “I know. I just... I don’t want people to think I’m using you. I would never do that.”

William’s eyes softened. “I know, love. I know you wouldn’t. And anyone who really knows us would never think that.”

But despite William’s reassurances, the rumors didn’t die down. In fact, they only seemed to get worse.