Kyungsoo’s palms were sweating as he approached his modeling agency. He had a meeting with his manager Byun Baekhyun who had called him a few minutes ago, seemingly furious. Kyungsoo knew exactly what all this was about, hence his nervousness. He took a deep breath before knocking on Baekhyun’s door, trying to brace himself for what was about to come. His manager’s voice seemed calm when he told Kyungsoo to come in which made him relax a little. However, when Baekhyun turned around in his chair in a dramatic fashion to greet him, his face didn’t radiate calmness at all. When he spoke, Kyungsoo started to sweat again :

-What did we say about dating scandals again Kyungsoo ?

-I-I can explain, he stuttered.

-And with a man !

-Yes… You know that I’m gay Baekhyun, I told you that already.

-And with Korea’s royal prince Kim Jongin !

-Yeah… Wait, can you be beheaded for that ? Kyungsoo said, more to himself than to Baekhyun.

-Probably not. But you can get fired.

-.

-The comments on this article say-

-Wait there’s already an article about us ?

-Yep, tons actually. How do you think I learned about all that ? You wouldn’t bother to tell me would you ? Baekhyun said, looking exaggeratedly and falsely hurt.

Kyungsoo sighed at his antics.

-Anyway, the comments on this article say you two are “so cute, like teenagers in love”. How sweet, he said with sarcasm dripping from his voice.

-I came out to have a good time and I’m honestly feeling so attacked right now, Kyungsoo said, his face reddening.

-Your obscure references won’t save you when you’ll have to convince the boss not to fire you.

-Oh my God, what am I gonna do ?

Baekhyun suddenly became silent and then started to laugh maniacally.

-What ? Kyungsoo said, not knowing if he felt more confused or terrified.

-I’m toying with you, it’s actually great publicity for the agency. Your solo cover is all sold out by the way, congratulations. Also, you two really are adorable.

-I hate you.

***

Jongin was walking down a huge and empty hallway, one of the many that constituted the castle. Thankfully, he was with his servant and childhood friend Sehun, because he could still get lost in this maze even though he lived there since birth. Sehun had told him the King had learned about his dating scandal. They were headed to meet him and Jongin wasn’t scared. He knew his father probably didn’t appreciate the news but he didn’t really care anymore. Since he was young, his father was always mad at him for some reasons so Jongin was used to it. He had decided a long time ago that he wouldn’t let his father decide his life for him. This was just one more act of rebellion among others. As they approached the King’s apartments, Jongin and Sehun could hear him yelling through the door. Jongin’s palms started to sweat a little. The King was talking on the phone, very fast, loudly and formally. Jongin could only make out half of his words but he understood that he was asking a news website to take their article down. Jongin and Sehun were waiting for him to finish, huddled up in a corner, trying to make themselves as small as possible. The King hung up and finally turned around :

-Jongin, my dear.

The latter shuddered ; his father never ever called him that.

-Y-Yes ?

-I’ve seen the news.

The King was talking solemnly and his expression was unreadable. Jongin had never seen him like that and was wondering if he was really mad or if he was just being overdramatic.

-If you want to behead me please make it quick, he said rapidly while shutting his eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, the King burst out laughing and Jongin risked opening one eye.

-I wouldn’t behead you for that Jongin. We don’t even do that anymore, the King said after he finally calmed down.

-So you’re not mad at me ?

-No I’m not Jongin. If I’m mad at someone it’s those so-called journalists who think it’s okay to display people’s personal lives. But otherwise, it’s great news. Even though I already knew about it, he added with a mischievous grin.

-What do you mean you knew ? How… Wait, it’s you, isn’t it ? You told him ! Jongin exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Sehun.

-Sorry, Sehun said sheepishly.

The expression of betrayal on Jongin’s face made him feel a tiny bit guilty. Just a tiny bit.

-Anyway, I’m happy for you, son. This Do Kyungsoo seems like a great guy.

Jongin sighed in relief. He was still alive, his father wasn’t even mad at him and thought his boyfriend was a great guy. All was well.