The threats don't stop.
By morning, the fans outside the dorm have doubled. Screaming louder. Pushing harder. Security guards are overwhelmed.
Inside, the tension is explosive.
Aiven sits on the couch, knees pulled to his chest, trying to breathe.
Kazé storms in, slamming the door.
"Fans just tried to break the back gate! They want Aiven's location!"
Nova clings to Aiven's arm, trembling.
"Don't go near the windows," Zenith warns. His voice is serious for once. "They're trying to get photos of you."
Aiven feels like the entire world is squeezing him.
AsTryx turns on the TV.
A gossip show flashes Eryssa's face.
> "Raze must be stressed from dealing with certain fans who try to get close to him…
I hope no one dangerous is around him."
She smiles sweetly on-screen.
The hosts gasp and laugh, turning her vague words into a scandal.
Aiven's chest tightens.
She's talking about him.
Kazé curses. "What a snake—"
Zenith cuts him off. "Don't give her attention."
AsTryx clenches his fists.
"Why is she attacking Aiven? He didn't do anything…"
But Aiven knows why.
He is the problem in their eyes.
When Aiven goes to the kitchen for water, Astryx appears.
At first, Aiven tenses—but instead of scolding him, Astryx sighs heavily.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Astryx mutters, staring at the floor. "I was angry… but not at you. At everything."
Aiven blinks. "You were jealous."
Astryx blushes lightly, looking away. "I care about Raze. But that doesn't mean I want you hurt."
Aiven's heart softens.
Astryx steps closer and puts a hand on Aiven's shoulder.
"If anyone tries to touch you… I'll break their face."
Aiven laughs weakly for the first time in days.
Zenith appears behind them.
"Aiven, stay close to us today. We're not letting the fans or the company get near you."
Aiven feels warmth inside.
For the first time… he feels protected.
Suddenly—
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The emergency alarm goes off.
Zenith rushes to the window.
"Oh no… they broke into the lower halls!"
A security guard shouts through the intercom:
> "Hide the boy! They're asking for him!"
Aiven gasps.
Astryx grabs Aiven's hand.
But Raze appears out of nowhere, breathless and furious.
"Aiven. Come with me."
He pulls Aiven into a storage room at the back of the dorm.
Raze unlocks a back service door rarely used.
"This way. No one will see us."
Aiven hesitates. "Raze… where are we going?"
"Somewhere safe," Raze says softly.
They slip out into a quiet alley far from the fans.
Aiven's heart beats so fast he can hardly think.
For a few seconds, it's just them.
No cameras.
No screaming.
No company.
Just Raze and Aiven under the soft glow of the night lights.
Raze stops walking.
"Aiven… I need to tell you something."
Aiven turns to him, eyes wide.
Raze steps closer—too close.
The air warms around them.
"Aiven… I like you. More than I should."
Aiven trembles.
"Raze… why?"
His voice cracks.
"Why do you like me? I'm not special. I'm just—just me."
Raze gently holds Aiven's face.
"Because you're real."
His voice is soft, but firm.
"You didn't want fame. You didn't chase me. You see me as Kiyoshi, not Raze."
Aiven's breath hitches.
"And because…"
Raze leans closer.
"When you smile, I feel safe."
Aiven's heart melts.
Raze whispers:
"Aiven… can I?"
Aiven nods shakily.
Raze closes the distance.
Their lips meet—
Soft.
Warm.
Slow.
Deep with unspoken feelings.
Aiven's whole world explodes into light.
Raze pulls him even closer, breath heavy, heart racing against Aiven's chest.
It's perfect.
It's terrifying.
It's everything.
Suddenly Aiven pulls back, face burning bright red.
"I—I can't— I need— I'm sorry—!"
Before Raze can say anything—
Aiven RUNS.
He disappears down the street, stumbling, covering his face, heart pounding like crazy.
Raze stands there in shock.
By morning, Aiven refuses to come out of the guest room.
He barely eats.
Barely talks.
Avoids Raze completely.
When Raze tries to sit next to him at breakfast, Aiven stands up and walks away.
When Raze calls his name, Aiven pretends he didn't hear.
Nova whispers to Kazé:
"Aiven is shy… it's cute."
Raze, however, looks heartbroken.
Zenith pats his shoulder.
"Give him time. He likes you… that's why he's scared."
Raze whispers:
"I'll wait."