Keys to Happiness

39. Aliah(2)

It was almost two weeks later that I had finally been discharged from the hospital. Despite my protests, I was going to be moving in with KiBum until I was healed fully. He had been relentless, saying that his apartment was the safest place I could be, especially since he could take care of me much better since it was closer to his various work schedules.
And I gave in quickly because honestly, I didn't want to argue too much. I was a little scared to go back to my own place even knowing that Marcus had already been shipped back to the US. I didn't feel safe there anymore and I didn't want to think about what had happened to me there.

All of the guys had been checking in on me regularly, but especially JongHyun and TaeMin, both of whom it seemed had taken a special liking to me. KiBum was furious but hiding it well and sometimes when he came home, I would make sure one or both of them were with me, just to mess with him.
It was on just such a day that I had fallen asleep and JongHyun was out in the living room when KiBum came back. I was still feeling groggy, but the sound of voices made me come fully awake, and their words grew clearer as they moved toward the bedroom.

"So have you told her yet?" JongHyun whispered urgently to KiBum just outside the door.

KiBum looked up and towards my way and I pretended to be asleep instantly.

"Don't be so loud, Aliah needs her rest."

"Well," JongHyun persisted and KiBum let out a put upon sigh.

"No hyung, I haven't and I'm not planning on discussing it with her at all." 

"You're making a mistake by not telling her KiBum-ah, she has a right to know," he pressed. 

"She just got out of the hospital. I'm not about to stress her out with all of my worries."

JongHyun shook his head, the look on his face one of disappointment.

"You guys are in a relationship; how can you be together when you don't tell her everything that's going on with you? And this is something that's important, it will affect her too."

"Look hyung, just give me some time with her, I just got her back... And I know Aliah, she's going to worry, I just don't want that for her right now."

"I get it and I don't mean to push you, but the company is going to release a statement soon whether you want them to or not. The rumors are getting crazier; it's up to you how this ends."

"You say that as if I actually have a choice hyung! People are criticizing me for everything right now. They'll crucify me for laughing or smiling and then they'll censure me for not laughing and smiling. I don't know what I should do or how I should act or feel. I have someone that I want but everyone's telling me that I'm wrong to have her. Jjong hyung, what should I do?"

KiBum's voice was tired and more stressed then he had ever let on since I'd been out of the hospital. My heart ached as he went to JongHyun and they embraced, the older boy patting him on the back.

"Bummie, in the beginning didn't I tell you to follow your heart? You may be under scrutiny right now and have people telling you bad things, but in the end what does their opinion mean? We are people KiBum-ah, not just toys who only live when we're on stage or TV. Fans won't always agree with how we live our lives but we can't live for their happiness. We have to do what's best for us. You know the rest of us will always support you both. Don't give up!"

They talked for a little longer but soon JongHyun left the apartment and KiBum leaned against the back of the door, his head hanging low.

Slowly I raised my aching body from the bed, trying not to make any noise as I came up behind him.

"KiBum, what's going on?" He jumped up and away from the door frame with a start and turned to me with a wry smile on his face.

"Jagiyah, I should have known. Just how long have you been listening?"

"Not too long, but I think I heard enough. You won't tell me what's wrong?"

KiBum gathered me into his arms, still careful of my ribs, and placed his head against my shoulder. He was quiet for a long time, but finally started to speak in a whisper.

"I won't lie; I've been successful in my life. I've made a lot of money, have experienced and accomplished more than I had ever thought possible when I first started out with SHINee. But when I thought that I was going to lose you Lia, I realized that all those things didn't matter. You are my most important accomplishment, and our relationship was what kept me going when I thought that loneliness would take me under. No matter what other people think or say, I won't let you go." 

Though he was whispering, his voice was firm and somewhat belligerent. I smiled and rubbed his back in circles as he held me closer.

"I don't want you to sweetie. But I knew going into this how your world would be. You even warned me how the fans might perceive our relationship. There's nothing for you to be mad about and besides, I can kind of understand. I used to be a fan remember?" I asked him with a teasing wink.

KiBum leaned his forehead against mine and took a deep breath, a true smile forming on his face.

"Yeah, I remember. So what do you want to do, whatever you want I'm ok with?"

"Do? We don't have to do anything. But I think I should give an interview."

KiBum pulled back from me, the look on his face incredulous.

"No way Aliah, you have no idea how out of control this kind of thing can get."

"The fans want to know about me and the rumors aren't helping. Anything I say may make things worse but your company has people that could coach me on what to say. In the meantime, the fans get what they want and the rumors will stop."

"Jagiyah, doing this doesn't mean that people won't still be against us."

"I know that, but it would give them a chance to make an informed decision on me instead of just speculation. I don't ever want you to give up what you love because of me KiBum. And I know you love being a singer, being in the spotlight. I don't mind giving the fans some insight. So let's do something."

His sigh was heavy as he pulled me against him, his breath a warm tickle on my neck.

"Then just a magazine interview, and not a seedy one either. We need a reporter that will tell the truth about us. I'll call SM tomorrow and see what they can do."

"That's a good idea sweetie, and don't worry. You'll see, this will all work out. It has to." I said this last bit not just as a comfort to KiBum but a comfort to myself. I couldn't imagine my life without the man in front of me but public opinion could crush a relationship no matter how famous or not you were.

A/N: Key and Aliah always seem to be able to work things out! Just a few more chapters left guys! <3