Side Story 18
Siwoo held Seojun’s hand tightly as they returned to the waiting room.
On the way, they encountered several famous celebrities who recognized Seojun of the Baekya Guild first and greeted him warmly. Seojun, in a good mood after finding Siwoo, gladly took photos with them. Siwoo had told him to do so.
“When you don’t find it bothersome, accept reasonably. If you don’t like it, don’t force yourself.”
Siwoo said while walking very close to Seojun, holding his hand again. This was something he had learned from watching Jihan. Fan service.
When he had teased Jihan for being a phone addict since he uploaded photos to social media whenever possible, Jihan had replied that it was all for the fans. That it was a way to express gratitude to people who supported them.
That seemed right, and it made Siwoo think differently. Previously, all the welcoming gazes had just felt annoying. But with a positive mindset, they felt like supportive glances. It was Jihan’s influence.
“Create a signature at least. Yoo Jihan even draws pictures for them.”
“Yes, I’ll make one.”
Seojun laughed inwardly as he watched Siwoo chattering away. Siwoo was especially talkative today. Even in the car, he had continuously gossiped about various topics.
So he gets talkative when nervous. I never knew that.
“Aren’t you nervous?”
Siwoo asked, examining Seojun’s expression as they climbed the stairs.
“Me?”
Seojun tilted his head slightly. Come to think of it, he was feeling calm. He wasn’t trembling or experiencing a dry mouth.
Even though just a few months ago, he would get nervous like Siwoo whenever he went to a broadcasting station. Now he just felt composed. Perhaps it was because the compulsion to make a good impression had disappeared.
“I’m fine because I’m with Guide-nim.”
When he said this while swinging their joined hands, the corners of Siwoo’s lips curved prettily. He must have liked hearing that.
Seojun habitually tried to kiss those pretty lips but was caught by the collar by Siwoo. Though there was no one passing by in the hallway, a security guard was walking with them.
The security guard sensibly looked away. Still, Siwoo didn’t permit a kiss. Seojun didn’t push his luck and was content with kissing Siwoo’s hand.
“Take a photo with Team Leader later too.”
Siwoo pulled Seojun, who was smooching his hand, and whispered softly. This was directed at the security team leader who was walking one step ahead of them.
He had heard that the man was a devoted fan of Seojun. Since this information had been leaked by the makeup artist, it probably wasn’t false.
“I will.”
Seojun gently stroked Siwoo’s hand while listening to his racing heartbeat.
How can even his nervous appearance be so lovable? Seojun swallowed dry as he imagined quickly finishing the interview and rolling around in bed with Siwoo.
If he looked this pretty to him, how much of a commotion would his hyungs cause? He could vividly picture it without even seeing it.
And Seojun’s prediction hit the mark.
Geonho and Jihan, who made a fuss while holding onto Siwoo who had returned to the waiting room, received a warning from the leader. They too had been searching for Siwoo everywhere in the broadcasting station with their respective security guards.
Siwoo explained the situation truthfully to them, just as he had to Seojun, despite the embarrassment. Finally calmed, Geonho and Jihan sat on either side of Siwoo and diligently kneaded his tense body.
“You didn’t put on makeup.”
Siwoo touched Geonho’s cheek after swallowing some lukewarm water. Geonho alone was bare-faced.
“It’s uncomfortable.”
Geonho shrugged and looked at Siwoo’s neatly groomed eyebrows, asking:
“Should I get it done?”
“No. If you don’t like it, don’t.”
Geonho remained still. He really doesn’t want it, it seems. No one forced him since just being in a broadcasting station full of people would be stressful enough.
Siwoo passed the water bottle to Geonho, telling him to drink too, and also put some snacks in his hand. Then he told him to speak up anytime if he felt uncomfortable.
The reason Siwoo had agreed to do the interview was for Geonho.
Geonho had lived only within the center ever since he manifested as an Esper. Even there, he avoided places with lots of people and always stayed only with guild members.
So how awkward and uncomfortable must this unfamiliar environment be? Siwoo frequently checked Geonho’s complexion and did his best to read his waves. Although he couldn’t show his usual level of concentration due to nervousness, he tried his best nonetheless.
“Tell me if you’re nervous. I have more anxiety medicine.”
“Then you take more. I’m fine.”
Geonho smiled faintly as he looked at Siwoo, whose body had stiffened with tension. His heart ached with affection for Siwoo, who was worrying about him despite his own heart pounding loud enough to echo in the waiting room.
The Baekya Guild knew very well how hard Siwoo had prepared for today’s interview. He had read and reread the question sheet they had received in advance until it became wrinkled, revising his answers.
The Espers, who had secretly read the answers he had written, felt their hearts grow overwhelmingly large for Siwoo. It was amazing that they could love him even more than they already did.
Siwoo had made a firm resolution today. He was desperate to let the world know that the Baekya Guild members were good guys. He had especially prepared many compliments for Geonho, who was appearing in public for the first time.
His determination to tear up the stage was rippling in his blue eyes.
He could just do it casually, but the Espers found Siwoo, who was sincere about everything, simply cute and appreciated him.
“We’ll move to the set in 30 minutes. You can change into your outfits now.”
The manager entered the waiting room with a friendly smile, opening the door. Only Geonho and Siwoo needed to change clothes.
Only those two were wearing comfortable clothes, while the others were already dressed in formal suits. For reference, Taebeom had temporarily left for work.
“Just the two of you need to change, right?”
The manager guided Geonho and Siwoo to the changing room.
Siwoo was planning to change right in the waiting room, but Geonho stood up first to go to the changing room. Inevitably, Siwoo followed him.
“Han Siwoo, are you still not done?”
Geonho, who had finished changing first, came out from behind the curtain and sat heavily on a makeshift chair. Wearing a jacket he didn’t usually wear made him look somewhat different. Though he wasn’t in a full suit like Taebeom and Jihan, it was different from his usual comfortable sweatshirt.
“Yeah, I’ll be out soon.”
“Need help?”
After double-checking that the changing room door was locked, Geonho pulled back Siwoo’s curtain. Unfortunately, Siwoo was already fully dressed.
“Wow, you look fucking awesome.”
Geonho whistled, falling in love again as he saw Siwoo’s back view in the mirror. The tailored suit fit, which complemented his slim physique, suited him perfectly.
The light gray jacket and pants, which matched his white skin and hair, made him stand out even more. Of course, he knew Siwoo would look pretty, but this was excessive. Geonho seriously wondered if it was okay to broadcast Siwoo’s current appearance.
“The tie, it’s not working.”
Siwoo was busy trying to tie his necktie, regardless of the fit. He had clearly learned how to tie it from videos, but when actually trying to do it, he got confused.
“I’ll do it for you.”
Geonho chuckled and spun Siwoo around.
“Do you know how?”
“Lift your head.”
He seems to know how, surprisingly. Siwoo lifted his head and handed the tie to Geonho. He should have asked earlier.
He had assumed that Kang Geonho wouldn’t know how. Since he only wore comfortable clothes unless it was a combat uniform, Siwoo had never seen him wearing a tie.
Even now, Geonho wore a casual suit by himself. Of course, it was a different feeling compared to his usual clothes.
Maybe it’s because he has a good body. The jacket suits him well too.
“What? Do I look good?”
Geonho grinned, feeling Siwoo’s gaze fixed on him. Siwoo didn’t readily compliment him.
“You look like a gangster. One who’s really good at collecting debts.”
Bursting into laughter, Geonho took Siwoo’s lips with a quick kiss instead of money. He also kissed Siwoo’s raised chin, making Siwoo tilt his head back.
“Don’t do that. You’ll smudge my makeup.”
“Okay. I won’t.”
Instead, Siwoo bumped his lips against Geonho’s chin, which had no makeup. Geonho chuckled, saying he might get hurt doing that.
“By the way, what are you doing?”
Siwoo, laughing along with Geonho, looked down at his hands that were just spinning the tie around. Geonho had skillfully put the tie around his neck, so Siwoo thought he would tie it properly. But he was just playing with the tie.
“Sorry. I can’t do this.”
Geonho, caught in his prank, straightened the tie.
“Your hyung would be good at this. Or Yoo Jihan.”
You should have said so from the beginning. Siwoo pretended to raise his fist lightly in warning.
“I wanted to do it for you.”
Geonho murmured in a regretful tone. In truth, he had secretly searched how to tie a necktie back at the residence. He had even practiced, but he didn’t attempt it out of fear of messing it up. He was terrible at such delicate tasks.
“I’ll practice. Let me do it next time.”
Just as Siwoo was about to answer, Geonho grabbed his hand first and left the changing room. Wait for my answer before moving.
Siwoo swallowed a sigh as he looked at Geonho’s back, which somehow seemed dejected.
He held back his words, knowing that even if he asked what was wrong, Geonho would just say he was fine. Understanding his desire not to worry others, Siwoo deliberately didn’t pry.
But he had no intention of pretending not to know forever. Siwoo’s blue eyes sparkled brightly under the fluorescent lights.
Siwoo had a plan. He would announce that plan in front of people today. In the most magnificent way.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
Awww sad puppy