Labyrinth

For You

"Jay. Go back to sleep" I mumbled, feeling him trying to wake me up. "Nuchiugluae!" I half yelled, half coughed. Jay was still pushing me though.

I began to kick, hoping he'd leave me alone. Of course, that didn't work. I was forced to get up; was he going to get an earfull when I came around.

"MICHOS- Khun?" I rastled the sheets up around me, realizing that I was still very . I didn't really become angry, I just was confused

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Jay told me to come and talk with you before I left."

I glanced around the room as if he'd pop out from my closet, but Jay wasn't here.

"He needed to go home to Seattle. He's really sorry that he didn't tell you."

Oh. He forgot to? Just casually, it slipped his mind he had to fly to to America....

"Good to know I'm being let in on the loop" I sarcastically replied, creating a make-shift dres out of the sheets so I could get up.

Khun grimaced, "It was an emergency. It was an order from JYP himself"

I stomped around my room, getting angrier by the minute. Why didn't he tell me? It's not like he's involved in the Mafia and can't reveal his location.

"I can't believe the nerve that boy has. Couldn't just have told me in person" I spat, putting on some real clothing.

"Wen, there's more to it" muttered Khun. My wave of madness was drowning him out though.

"We had a great night together. Hell; we probably had for three hours, and he just leaves with out letting me know" I yelled, brushing my hair violently.

"Listen for a sec-" Khun tried again, but I wouldn't have it.

"When I see him again...." I punched my right fist into my left hand

"He has to break up with you" whispered Khun, grabbing me strongly by the shoulders, forcing me to listen.

I scowled, then frowned, "W-What?"

Khun swallowed, before repeating

"He says you have to break up"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Nichkhun's Perspective

It took all the strength I had to give the news to Wen.

The conversation with Jay played constantly in my brain, so I wouldn't forget a detail.

-

"Wen? What?" I gained all my senses at once with the mention of her

"JYP said we have to break up. He says that I am hurting her image and career, so our fake relationship can't exist anymore."

"And this couldn't wait until morning?" I whined

"Wen just came out with her ballad, and you clearly don't keep up to date with the gossip. Point is, JYP said I need to leave for a little while"

I shook my head, "Jay, this still makes no sense."

"I have to leave. Read this article; it will explain. Bye"

"Uhm, bye" Jay sent me a link, and then ended the call.

Yesterday, the video for eMpress' second sinlge 'Across the Sea' was released, putting a twist on the classic ballad. The video is highly talked about, with over 1.5 million views already. This y icon is stealing the hearts of many, especially men. Is her current boyfriend Park Jaebeom hurting her fanbase though, maybe even her career?

Multiple shows have contacted eMpress' representatives, and vice versa. For example, the popular TV show We Got Married expressed their interest in having eMpress star in it, but they predict it would be not as successful due to her being in a relationship already.

Another problem that has arisen because of her taken status, is that people are left confused about her image. Earlier this month, Vogue magazine canceled a photoshoot with eMpress due to a video that had been put online. This video was uploaded by three avid fans, who had met her one night with her boyfriend. She was not her usual self. She was very quiet and reserved, and was not dressed to be out in the town. Also, Jaebeom acted extrememly protective over her, almost agressive towards the fans. Is this relationship on the rocks?

eMpress still is wildly popular, but the problems seem to all stem from her being in a relationship. How long will it take before she is forced to choose between her relationship and career?

Stay up to date with the latest news, here allkpop.com."

"Fall of an eMpire?" was the title of the article. It made me sick to see what people wrote about idols. Seeing how they percieved the real Wen really made me feel bad for her. I did know that allkpop was a very influential news website, reaching thousands and thousands of people. No wonder JYP needed them to stop the relationship.

Was that a tinge of happiness I felt? Over the fact Wen was going to be 'single'? I can't believe that this was happening. She was still a taken women in my eyes, and the few that knew the truth. I really was a love sick puppy following her; the guys were right. 

-

Wen's eyes became shinier as they welled up with tears.

I sat her down, and explained the situation as best I could. I didn't even get the situation 100%.

"JYP wants you two separated for a little while, so the public can get the implicaiton you are 'breaking up'. And it's because of the release of your ballad, since it is about getting out of a relationship. If it coincides with the song, it makes more sense that you wrote it, making it more believable therefore more sellable.As for your image, being single is suppose to help a lot"

I was pretty proud of myself for making that sound some what intelligent and understandable. 

"How long do you think he'll be gone?" she asked emotionaless

"I don't know. I guess however long it takes for people to get the message, and these concerns to go away."

She winced, "Time to play the waiting game again"

Neither of us predicted this game would last for so long though.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One day without Jay went by quickly.

A week with no contact, and I started to get lost in my worries. 

Two weeks with nothing, and I was going insane, lost in a labyrinth with no way of escape. 

"So, eMpress, Wen. Tell us what is going on with you and Jay. We couldn't help but see that you two haven't been together lately. Are you still together?"

"Both of us are very busy being in this industry. We do still talk, and spend time together, but the love is just as friends. Over time we both lost the connection as boyfriend and girlfriend"

The  host bobbed her head as she listened, "Because of the distance, do you think you grew closer with someone else?"

I pondered how to reply,

"As friends, yes. As a boyfriend, I don't know. Feel free to come and apply if you'd like for that position" I mused, earning a laugh from the crowd.

It was approaching week three; I felt like we had really broken up. I knew I shouldn't call him, or contact him in any way. That would just ruin the whole purpose of him going to America. I couldn't risk people finding out we were still together.

With my new single status, the issues with other companies and such were mostly gone. A Thai magazine called Dichan had requested me to be on the cover already. Of course, this offer was accepted.

I flew out for Bangkok the next day. It felt weird being on a plane, or really anywhere, with out Jay. After being attached by the hip for over six months in public, this was a shock.

Fortunately, the outfit was quite modest and not costume like for the shoot. A light and simple white dress, with a bold necklace is what I graced the set with.

"And we're done! Great job!" announced the photographer

I politely thanked everyone, and then promptly left. I liked to be social, but in all honestly I preferred to spend my time alone or with a small group. Unfortuantely, while rushing down the crowded streets, I bumped into a man straight on

"Sorry" I hastility apologized

"Wen?"

I snapped my head around to see who the person was, and instantly I felt good, recognizing them

"Khun!" I gave him a massive hug, since the last time I saw him was three weeks ago and in a different country. "What are you doing in Thailand?"

"I was invited as a guest host for a Thai music talk show. I just finsihed, so I came here and met my mother for lunch. What are you up to?" he beamed

I couldn't help but feel happy seeing my bestfriend, "I just finished a photoshoot for the magazine Dichan. I don't fly back for two days, so I get a break"

"We must be on the same flight then. Airplane buddy?" Khun gave me puppy dog eyes

I chuckled softly, "Of course. It'd be nice to have someone to sit with, travelling can be lonely"

Khun offered to buy me a snack, which I jumped at the mention of food. We continued to catch up on each other's lives.

"How are our pajamas coming along?" asked Khun, half joking yet still actually hoping I was making them.

Reaching into my bag, I took out my sketchbook -what little there was- and showed him some sketches and fabric swatches.

"Wooyoung's wil have penguins, and yours will have rabbits. Now you don't have to wear Taec's" I saw Khun's face become a light shade of red at this mention, "How are they anyways, the rest of 2PM?"

"Busy; as usual. Wild Bunny is really cool, but only three of them are available for filming this week. I'm interested in what they'll come up with. How's Jay?"

I dropped my eyes to the table in disappointemt from the truth I was avoiding,

"I haven't heard from him"

Khun gingerly hovered his hand, then placed it on top of mine, I managed a small half smile.

"Let's do something fun. You want to go to Taco Bell?" He gave me an exaggerated wink,

I automatically began to laugh uncontrollably. He knew one of my favourite movies was the American film 'Mean Girls'.

"But really, do you want do something? I could be your personal tour guide here"

Together, the two of us always had fun. No one had to ask me twice,

"Definitely, I'm up for it. So, tourguide Horvejkul, what's our first stop?"

The rest of the day, Khun showed me his country. I had been wanting to travel to Thailand ever since highschool, it being apart of my original tactic to impress Bae. I got to see the country from the perspective of a native, which In my opinion was much cooler than as a pure tourist. Taking silly pictures, eating obscene amounts of food, and wearing ridiculous disguises was the best way to spend my time off, expecially since it was with my bestfriend.

The sky was darkening quickly, so I thought it was time for me to head to my hotel. Being a gentleman, Khun walked me there making sure I arrived safely, even though it was only ten minutes away from where we were.

"Thanks for guiding me around today. I really enjoyed it" I gave Khun a hug, glad he didn't reject this one like before back at the dorm.

"How about I pick you up around noon, for round two of Khun's Star Thatiland Tours?"  he suggested

Smiing, I nodded in agreement "I'd like that. See you then Bunny"

You'd think I'd be used to how affectionate Khun could be. The kiss from months ago after my first performance still boggled my mind, unsure about what he really did feel. It was always so 'hot and cold' with him.

Unlike his first surprise kiss, this one was gentle and quick. Instead of coming across as in the moment, it seemed lke he had been trying to find the perfect time to do it. Did Khun think of me as something more, much more? I hate to play the ignorace card, but I was legitimately unsure.

"Goodnight" he whispered, stalking away from the room and out of sight. There wasn't a tone of regret, or embarassment in his speech. 

There was in mine though, as I muttered senselessly to myself.

Why did I keep leading him on like this, letting him kiss me. He did know Jay and I were still together, so was it really leading on? He must know that I can't return these feelings, even if I wanted to. Wait; did I want to?

My lips gained a soft tingling sensation when he put his on mine. Maybe I even kissed him back, once I reflect on the moment.

Was all this rambling and confusion stemmed from the 'breakup'? It seemed like I was treating it like a real one, being on the rebound with a guy already.

I can't believe I was even arguing over a definite thing; I loved Jay, he loved me.

But Khun.... Why was I suddenly so paranoid about how he felt about me; how I felt about him?

The labyrinth of this industry officially had me trapped. No longer was I able to tell which direction to go, or what exactly I was doing there in the first place.

I just hope I don't meet a dead end

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savagewinters
Editing the alternate ending and adding a bit more. Ah! So nostalgic coming back to this fic, it gets me all emotional (:

Comments

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lulupita1
#1
Chapter 52: Aaaaaawwwww.... One of the best stories I've read! U are great writer! :)
iamandie #2
Chapter 52: done at last! i end up teary eyed reading the last 2 chappies.

love the happy ending! :D
gabbyharstarr97
#3
I spat out the water I was drinking when I read that Khun and Xiaxue were together .... I actually started crying while reading the speaches .....such an epic ending (:
marikrismas #4
At first I was confused on why this was updated and then I remembered you said you'd have an alternate ending for us and here it is!
Anyway by golly this was good! I found it funny that she was almost late to her own wedding haha. I'm glad 2pm returned as seven in here, even if they aren't all idols anymore and Khun and Xiaxue together? Oooh niice. And the speeches awwww!! Then Wen and Jiyong as business partners in the fashion world? Sweeet! And Xiaxue bringing back that dress, gosh she's good. Lastly the boat scene, giiiiiirl this epilogue was just epic. Totally loved it from start to finish, both the epilogue and story as a whole :D
hellopanda23 #5
the extra ending was beautiful. a fine ending to teh story : )
jangkhunyounghunny
#6
Oh my God...this was beautiful..everything..2PM as seven and Khun married with taec got himself a girl..omg..just beautiful..Jay always there and everything...i'm fluttered..awwwwwww~ love the epilogue...thanks for making it complete and they'll get baby soon :P ekekeke..love it so much! Wenbeom daebak!
gabbyharstarr97
#7
Yes !! do it (:
hellopanda23 #8
whaaa it came to a complete end this time.. it was nice that she got her memory at the end and that everybody ended up closing loose ends... it has been a fun and enjoying to read your story and i hope you plan to do future work. let me know and i will be sure to read it for you... YEs why not release the alternate/extra ending!!!
marikrismas #9
DO IT! Go and upload it nooooooow!!! Please hahaha
but just kidding, go ahead and take your time with whatever you'll upload (;