Winter Hearts

Introductions

When Hongbin had joined him downstairs, Leo was pacing on the kerb opposite. Hongbin felt a twinge of guilt. He could easily assuage some of Leo's unspoken concerns by mentioning casually that Panos was Siana's cousin whose relationship was of a platonic nature.

But Hongbin had a pragmatist's approach to life and felt that people learned through experience rather than advice. Perhaps next time Leo would be more forthcoming about his personal concerns, especially when he had friends who were willing to listen and support.

Hongbin also had a conniving streak which allowed him to feel at ease with his own little game that he was playing with Leo. He knew it would seem judgmental and more than a little patronising if seen through another's eyes, as if he were trying to teach Leo a lesson. But he was willing to bear that accusation, if there was a chance Leo would open up more and depend on and trust his brothers. Or, even if just for the shallow desire to see Leo squirm for a little longer.

Pabo hyung, suffering in silence, not realising that the girl he thinks is unavailable to him, is all but waiting to say yes.

Well, maybe not even that.

Hongbin could see Siana had her head screwed on right. Although her attraction to Leo seemed obvious to Hongbin, she never tried to overstep her boundaries, which was more than could be said for the so many fans in their past who had crossed the line. The boys were used to it and accepted it as a part of their world. Sometimes it felt good, other times, Hongbin wondered what the fans really expected to result from their actions.

He had kissed enough women in his life, on and off screen, to know that attraction and compatibility didn't always go together. As performers, the boys learned very quickly to compartmentalise their feelings and desires to suit the professionalism required of them, and, as importantly, to keep the fans happy.

However, fans didn't always compartmentalise their feelings when it came to their idols, so Hongbin was rather pleasantly surprised at the level of professionalism Siana was maintaining, especially since they were inviting her into their little circle so willingly. 

That would be a very heady experience for any fan.

Hongbin glanced at Leo, thinking he was probably fighting some natural emotions now, resulting in his awkward moods. There was spirited energy about him, as if he was looking for a fight. 

Hongbin thought perhaps he should help diffuse some of that energy, sooner rather than later.

They walked past the kiddie playground to the little half-court that had been set up for basketball games. Siana was already on the court with Panos and two others, one of whom was the man he had seen come greet her so intimately by the van that morning. He remembered his name was Yanni, another of her cousins. The third man looked a little like him, so Hongbin assumed he was Yanni's brother.

He and Leo hung back a little, watching the play. Siana had the ball, and Panos was defending, standing behind her as she backed towards the hoop, trying to block her attempts to approach it. Panos had placed a hand low on her back to keep his distance. Hongbin felt rather than saw Leo bristle when he noticed that.

Yanni gestured for her as he was open, and she bounced the ball under Panos' outstretched arm, past his long leg. Yanni smoothly stopped it, swivelled and did a short set up, putting it into the basket neatly.

He turned to Siana with a shout and they grabbed each other's hands in victory. Panos shook his head as the other guy collected the ball.

Panos noticed them watching and called out with a smile. Hongbin walked ahead of Leo with an arm outstretched to greet him.

Panos was a truly handsome man with high cheekbones and eyes of such a light greenish hazel that, in the warm afternoon light, they looked like liquid gold. HIs blonde hair was shaggy, curling at the ends, and framed his face like the rays of the sun. When he smiled, dimples appeared in each cheek, impossibly cute and sexy at the same time.

Hongbin thought it was hilarious that the person whom Leo felt was his rival, would be as majestically handsome as the young Panos. He knew Leo would be sizing his opponent up as he walked up behind him, just as he would size up the opposing team in a sports match.

Time to take the wind out of his sails, Hongbin thought.

He turned to introduce Panos to Leo. "Hyung, this is Panos. Siana's cousin."