Chapter 16

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~Time skip: 2 months~

Juyeon still hadn't the faintest idea of who could possibly be the culprit. If he thought one way, everyone was basically a suspect. He silently stared at himself in the mirror as he danced. What was he missing? How could he lure them out? Kevin clapped enthusiastically, truly impressed with his best friend's skills. Juyeon deserved to be the solo artist they planned to debut, despite that meaning they'd have even less time to hang out.

"Kev, have they been harassing you lately?" asked Juyeon as he turned off the music.

"I won't tell you." said Kevin, turning his head away.

Juyeon sat in front of him then made Kevin face him. Kevin looked down in an effort to avoid eye contact. He wished Juyeon could go back to not knowing anything and solely focus on bettering himself. He knew Juyeon wanted to shine on stage more than anything. He himself was willing to become disposable if it meant Juyeon could achieve that dream, that goal.

"Kevin, I can't relax knowing someone is purposefully trying to separate us for their own gain." said Juyeon, feeling something small forming in his stomach.

"Ju, I hate to do this to you but... what's more important, something short term like me or your long term dream of being an idol? You can only pick one." Kevin asked, feeling awful for making him choose.

Kevin patiently waited as Juyeon thought. He became a bit worried as Juyeon hadn't responded as quick as he expected.

"It's true. My long term dream of being an idol was important, but not anymore. Ever since we got into Ruse, I've had a new dream. Being an idol together with you." responded Juyeon, his hands resting on Kevin's shoulders. "If anything throws a wrench in that dream, I have to fix it."

He hated Juyeon. He leaned forward, resting his forehead on Juyeon's shoulder as tears fell from his eyes. He didn't want to believe it. He was probably saying it to get him to spill everything. Even if that was the case, he couldn't deny how happy hearing that made him feel.

"Even if I did tell you, could you really handle the truth? Would you be able to make rational decisions?" Kevin asked, somewhat considering coming clean.

"I've known you longer than anyone else in this building. Surely you know I'd take your side." said Juyeon, wrapping his arms around Kevin.

Kevin did the same. He opened his mouth to speak then stopped. Rather than telling him, wouldn't it be better to show him?

"Then hang back at Ruse and I'll show you." said Kevin, finally meeting Juyeon's eyes. "Even if you were lying about your new dream, it would probably be a good idea to learn who your enemies really are."

"You know, I'm really grateful you finally feel it's right to talk about it." said Juyeon happily.

Kevin nodded as his fingers slightly twitched. Was he making the right decision? He wouldn't regret it after everything was said and done? Would Juyeon really suffer like they said he would? He felt Juyeon lift his face by his chin, causing him to give him a confused innocent look.

"There's something I want to... to try..." Juyeon muttered, the small feeling having grown larger.

"Okay, tell me then." responded Kevin happily.

Juyeon leaned forward, mere inches away from Kevin's lips. He quickly let Kevin go, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. No. It couldn't be. Kevin looked at him in confusion.

"Is everything-" he started only to be cut off.

"Stay back!" Juyeon shouted before scrambling to his feet and fleeing.

It's Not Me, It's We | JuKev✅Where stories live. Discover now