Beam thought he was smart.
He thought betrayal was quiet.
That lies whispered in shadows would never see the sun.
But Pete Tansiri doesn't whisper.
He broadcasts.
---
The Press Conference
Downtown. Crowded. Livestreamed. Over 2 million views in under 10 minutes.
Pete stood at the podium.
Black suit. No tie. Cold fury.
Mek stood behind him. Silent. Steady. The storm in his eyes held back only by Pete's warmth.
Pete looked directly at the cameras.
> "There have been recent attacks on my business, my reputation, and my relationship. I won't deny my relationship with Mek—it is real, it is true, and it is not up for debate."
Gasps. Whispers. Reporters typing fast.
> "What is up for debate... is the character of those I once trusted."
Pete raised his hand.
A screen lit up behind him.
Footage plays:
Beam entering Pete's office.
Downloading confidential files.
Meeting with a known media leaker.
Handing over a flash drive.
Undeniable.
The crowd went silent.
> "That man is Beam Niranat. My former friend. My former employee. And now? A cautionary tale."
A reporter raised their mic. "Mr. Tansiri—why show this publicly?"
Pete's jaw clenched.
> "Because people need to understand that queer love isn't shameful. But betrayal is."
He turned slightly, reached for Mek's hand.
Held it.
> "We've fought too hard to love each other in the light. And I'll be damned if I let shadows win."
---
Aftermath:
Beam trended for all the wrong reasons:
> #BackstabberBeam
#JusticeForPeteAndMek
#RealLoveWins
His career?
Over.
His reputation?
Ashes.
Mek?
Still shaking. Still stunned.
"You really did that," he whispered.
Pete smirked, kissing his knuckles.
"I told you. I don't lose the people I love."
---
Later That Night
Mek leaned against Pete's chest in bed.
The world still spinning.
But quieter now.
"Do you think it's over?" Mek asked softly.
Pete shook his head. "No. But we've won this round."
He looked down, kissed Mek's forehead.
"And I'll keep winning. As long as you're still by my side."