We can't

2

She came back shortly after settling besides him, San E following after. The show began. He turned to her half facing the screen and her, he was careful enough not to stand to close, at a respectable distance so that she didn't feel as though he was pressuring her into something unlike San E who kept creeping up on her; every time this occurred she took a step closer to Jackson somewhat seeking solace from his presence. She felt safe near him, as thought no evil or harm could befall her as long as he was there by her side. Naturally, they both hosted the show with a sense of edge, elegance and professionalism. He made her feel comfortable in the environment they had been forced to deal with, glancing over to her checking if she was okay and making sure that she wasn't too tired. He offered her motivating smiles every now and then, which meant the world to Irene. She had never met a soul so pure and a heart so warm, in a single glance he destroyed all her apprehension and fatigue. She found herself shamelessly looking and consuming his form. People were right she noted; he was handsome. His chiselled jaw line highlighted by the lighting and his playful eyes shining with mischief made her heart flip, his gaze cast down to hers. Quickly she averted her eyes, a light blush painting itself over her cheeks, noticing the smirk he wore. The night grew old. They had both frozen due to the chill of the autum evening. He handed her a blanket opening it out and placing it on her shoulders. He smiled at her and he started making basic conversation, the break they were given felt like a life time, laughter ringing out, eyes interlocking and a highlighting mischief sparking in their eyes with a sense of mystery as they both questioned what was happening between them, sparks begun to fly as they further questioned the easiness of their conversation. The short term bliss was broken shortly both being brought back to reality. He led her back up the stairs rejoining San E who was now immersed in a conversation with Jackson, he casted his gaze to her as she studied her prep cards to make sure she was okay and to some extent for his own peace of mind. As she sat down Jackson was called for a hair and makeup check over, he made his way down as San E sat with Irene trying and failing to engage her in a broken conversation, she nodded her head and forced a laugh when necessary. She looked towards her fans waving; she loved her fans, she loved and respected them for the dedication and understanding they had, she smiled widely at them as they chanted her name. San E placed an arm on her shocking her slightly as her fans were notably pissed. He quickly removed it and they settled into awkwardness. From a far Jackson witnessed the encounter. He was disgusted at a man who could not respect the boundaries of a woman. This was a professional job and he had no right to touch her. He moved quickly telling the ladies he looked fine and wanted to head back, he stalked off returning to Irene's side offering her a tight smile before leaning in whilst San E was preoccupied saying "Is he making you uncomfortable" she smiled at his concern warmly and leaned up to him "it's okay Jackson. It's nothing new." She smiled warmly trying to reassure him in some way. He could not phathom how so many people had said she was cold and unforgiving and completely unpleasant, he could see straight through the act and he knew in a heartbeat that this was the true essence of Irene's character. He smiled at her, continuing, " if he makes you feel uncomfortable any more just let me know, as much as you may say your okay it doesn't make it right and I'm not gonna stand here and watch you get hurt." Her heart melted at that, even as she was about to protest saying she could handle it and did not need him to step in she lifted her head looking into his eyes, seeing a sense of determination to protect her further turning her into mush as she again questioned for the second time that night, what was Jackson Wang doing to her?She nodded at him in acceptance recieving her a hundred watt smile in return.

They began two minutes later the hosting flowing with a sense of naturalism and easy. Jackson kept the scene a live with his jokes and interactions making fans and Irene swoon. He asked the audience if they agreed that she is pretty and in return they got a loud resounding yes causing them to laugh.

San E was up to perform, Irene and Jackson introducing him together in perfect sync. She looked at him for the countless time that night, he caught her and smirked forcing her again to cast her gaze on the boring performance infront of her. Slowly San E made his way to them, Irene braced herself annoyed at the sexual lyrics that were being sung to her. She wore a forced smile as if her life depended on it. Out from behind her, Jackson tactically hyped him up but intervened between the two pushing San E a few feet away who walked away. He picked up one of the mics he dropped returning it to her making sure not to give her the one that was on the floor. She smiled and grabbed his hand as the lights dimmed around them. "Thank you Jackson, no one has stood up for a like that besides my girls, it means a lot." He smiled at her quickly pressing a kiss to her forehead before the lights came back. "I told you I was gonna protect you, a promise is a promise for life." Their gazes remained transfixed on each other.

Authors note:
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