Ex's and Why's | hyunsung

F I F T E E N

Chapter 15: Healing Hearts

Everything returned to normal, or at least as normal as it could be. Work is work in their field. Being an idol is a challenge that they were willing to take on, and they have a burning passion for it, but sometimes it can be quite an exhausting thing.

Eyes are always tracking your every move, staring at you, waiting for a moment when you would make a mistake. The scrutinizing gazes look down at you for one failure that you have made, not even a major one, yet they always look back to it every chance that they get.

There are always issues coming from every side that sometimes, they can't dodge them any longer. Every member has fallen victim to that, going as far as taking a hiatus that causes a major backlash in their reputation.

"Liars! That's what they are." Jisung seethes, clutching his phone tightly while news spreads like wildfire on every social media platform. "Why the fuck do you have to apologize for something you haven't done?!"

Hyunjin faces a bullying scandal.

Hyunjin receives major backlash for bullying.

"Like fuck off?" He paces under stress.

"Jisung, calm down." Chan gave him a stern glance, looking back at Hyunjin, who seemed to have fallen into a state of panic. "Hyunjin-"

"I- I didn't do it!" Hyunjin is on the verge of tears, curling up into a ball. Jisung took a deep breath to calm his anger. He hates seeing Hyunjin being broken down by people's lies. He has had enough of them taking advantage of him!

Jisung faces Chan, his jaw clenching. "Hyung, can't we file a lawsuit or something? Sue them for cyberbullying or false news! 'Cause they're clearly liars! I know that because I've been there with him all throughout high school. So, what the fuck are they talking about?" Chan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I know, Jisung." Chan sighs tiredly, "I'm trying to settle this, but I can't go against the hiatus. It's what I could only do." Jisung sat down next to Hyunjin, putting a hand on his knee as a sign of comfort.

"Sorry, hyung. I just- I hate this." Hyunjin forces out a smile.

"I feel you." He mutters, looking down at his lap. Jisung frowns deeply. Hyunjin has always been popular even when he was in high school; he knows all too well that he's trying to hide the disappointment that he feels in himself.

He leans close to Hyunjin, finally taking courage to link his hand with his. Hyunjin looks at him in surprise before comfortably melting against him.

"I'll talk more to the higher-ups... Just... I'll do my best, alright, Hyunjin? I believe you and not those silly articles. Clearly, they're using your name again to cover up something major."

Jisung huffs, "It's always like that." He rolls his eyes, "Abusing the system and causing major news to cover up another major news like a crime, so they won't take the fall. People are quick to follow." Chan nods in agreement, standing up in his seat.

"I'll leave the two of you. Hyunjin, I'll update you as soon as I can, but please rest. Okay?" He pats Hyunjin's head, putting up a smile before leaving the room. Jisung sags on his seat, still fuming at the fact that they're targeting Hyunjin of all people.

Hyunjin turns to him, "Thank you for... being there for me. You really didn't have to-

"Yes, I didn't have to. But, I want to." Hyunjin tears up, "You don't have to go through any of this alone. Every member is here for you... I am here for you." He cups Hyunjin's cheeks, wiping the stray tears.

"I know... I just... When the news came out, I panicked, and you were the only person that I knew would still believe me... That's what my mind and heart tell me to do, you were just the only thing in my mind to contact." Hyunjin wipes his eyes, shaking his head. "Though I trust the members. I really do-"

Jisung gently took hold of Hyunjin's shaking hands. "Hey, hey. Look at me. I know. I understand. Don't worry, okay? We'll get through this." He offers him a smile.

"Together?"

"Together." Hyunjin relaxes, hearing the same familiar words that he had grown used to. His heart yearned for the hug so tight, the words blanketing him like a safe haven.

When he used to get accused back then, Jisung was always ready to defend him. Even when he's not around, he's always ready to defend his name. He has always believed in him without having any traces of doubt at all. Even when Hyunjin, himself, refuses to believe in himself, Jisung is already there, believing in him.

"Thanks." He mutters, sniffling.

"I will be here."

They stayed in silence, Jisung moving to pull Hyunjin into his arms, the same hug that he used to do. His heart starts beating faster when Hyunjin wraps his arms around him, and he has a feeling that Hyunjin could hear how fast his heart is beating.

"Hey." Jisung broke the silence. "Do you remember when we broke up-"

"Sung-ah, we talked so much about this that I think I cried a river," Hyunjin mumbled in his shirt.

Jisung chuckles, softly flicking his shoulder. "No, not that! I mean, yeah, part of that. But, what was I going to say?" He stayed silent, taking a deep breath. "Remember when I mentioned the art studio?" Hyunjin pulls away a bit to take a look at Jisung, tilting his head in question.

"Yeah? What about it?" Hyunjin takes a few minutes to process before... "Wait-"

"Well, I never really sold it so..." Hyunjin's eyes widen, pulling away completely, and Jisung already misses the warmth before it is replaced with the fact that Hyunjin is looking at him with the utmost excitement in his face.

"Don't tell me... Don't fucking tell me..."

"Alright, I won't tell you."

"Jisung!"

He laughs loudly, "Okay, okay." He takes out the keys, "I am telling you right now that you are still the sole owner of this studio. And! You are still free to go there to rest few days while we wait for everything to settle down."

"Oh my God, Jisung." Hyunjin literally launches himself, tackling them both down the couch. "Goodness, how do I ever deserve someone like you?"

"You always deserve someone like me."

"Oh, stop acting cocky now!"

Jisung has a huge smile on his face. They both sit up, and he hands Hyunjin the keys. "I know how much you love art. Even when we were fighting, I know art is always your go-to." Hyunjin clutches the key near his chest, as if hugging it.

"Thank you, thank you so much." Hyunjin smiles, "Seriously, Jisung- I just... Oh God, thank you so much for everything. I don't know how I can repay you."

"You can always give me-" a kiss. Jisung halts. Is it too early to joke about this? Hyunjin tilts his head.

"Give you...?"

"A- a cheesecake!" He blurts out. Definitely too early... even if it's slightly true.

"Oh, alright! I thought it was something else." It is.

Jisung laughs awkwardly, coughing slightly. "So... wanna go to the art studio? Check it out first, and I'll leave you with your precious art." Hyunjin beams with happiness.

He is so screwed.