24 BURNING UP
Lee Taemin Superstar24 BURNING UP
With Jonghyun’s help, Taemin manages to squash the rumors about him and Kibum during the video conference with their PR manager. The conversation ends without mention of any sanction for Taemin or Kibum, but the manager was generous in her warnings.
It was a close call, and Taemin knows he and Kibum must be cautious at all times. Especially that the PR manager supplied Taemin with information on the clause in Kibum’s contract which clearly states that Kibum is forbidden from having an affair with Taemin, be it serious or casual.
Jonghyun pats Taemin’s shoulder after the meeting, sensing the latter’s dampened spirits.
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Like the sunshine that he is in Taemin’s life, Kibum walks inside Taemin’s room with a big smile on his face, and for a moment, Taemin forgets the harsh reality of their situation.
Kibum’s smile is so beautiful that Taemin doesn’t know if it will melt him with happiness or crush him with despair because he can’t possibly have the owner of that smile at this time. He cannot even give in to the desire to crash his lips onto that smile and kiss Kibum breathless.
“Taem, I have good news! Jonghyun allowed me to do one show for our theater group!”
They are in the last leg of the tour, with U.S. being the final stop since they are doing a series of shows in different states. And they are currently in New York, where Kibum grew up.
Kibum sought permission from Jonghyun to perform for just one night at a theater in Brooklyn. They are on a break for a whole week and Kibum’s role in the musical is one that he is just reprising, so he’ll only require three days of rehearsal before the show. Besides, it is not a major role so Kibum is confident he can get it done.
Kibum misses theater so badly, and since he and Taemin are in some kind of “withdrawal”, this is something that he needs and something that will do his soul well.
“That’s great, hyung! Can I come and watch it?”
“Of course, silly! That’s why I came straight here after talking to Jjong. I want you to be there. It isn’t a major role, thank god. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to participate. But The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most fun musicals I’ve ever done so I’m really excited.”
“I’m excited too. I’ve always wanted to see you in a musical since we’ve talked about all the previous shows you’ve done. I know it’s your passion. I can’t wait to be in the audience and just watch you perform, hyung.”
Kibum has been on different stages as an actor/performer so he isn’t exactly the shy type. But Taemin has a way of making him feel suddenly shy that his face contorts in a ridiculous way, with his dimples appearing and his cheeks burning. It amazes Kibum how his feelings for Taemin seem to occupy such a broad, colorful spectrum. What he doesn’t know is that Taemin feels the exact same way.
But as of late, every time they sense that their feelings are about to take their bodies hostage, they control the situation by having one of them leave the room. This time, since it is Taemin’s hotel room (he and Kibum have their own rooms now), Kibum makes the move to exit. But only after flashing another shy smile at Taemin before completely turning around and going out the door.
Taemin sighs the second he’s alone.
“Oh, Kibum… what have you done to me?” Taemin allows his head to fall on his fluffy pillow.
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It is Taemin’s first time to watch a musical in America, so he is utterly excited. But more than this, the chance to see Kibum in his element is what Taemin is looking forward to the most.
He is patting down the front of the brown suede jacket he decides to wear to the show when Taemin’s phone beeps from an incoming text message.
Kibum: “See you later, hot patootie. I hope you enjoy the show.”
Taemin snickers at the funny term of endearment before replying to the message.
Taemin: “Impossible for me not to enjoy the show. YOU are in it.”
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Taemin arrives with Jonghyun and Jinki at St. Ann's Warehouse, a performing arts theater in Brooklyn, for The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Kibum got them good front row seats, and this boosts Taemin’s excitement further.
Half an hour into the show, Taemin is enjoying the zany musical extravaganza but he couldn’t concentrate on it a hundred percent because at the back of his mind, he keeps wondering when Kibum’s part wi
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