Chapter 16

“What…?” Eric whispered.

“I said…I…I don’t like you…that way,” Kangta said. “We are…just…good friends.”

The leader of Shinhwa could not believe what he heard; had he read the ex-member of H.O.T. wrongly? It had all felt so right; it had all felt like they were meant to be. It had all felt like Eric had found the perfect match; when they had had for the first time, it had felt amazing.

“You don’t…like me?” Eric stuttered.

The look on Kangta’s face went from utterly apologetic to cold as ice. He stared at Eric seriously, his hands curled to fists next to his thighs and tried not to waver when the look on Eric’s face became heartbreakingly hurt. Kangta wanted to reach his arms and hug him, kiss him, tell him…but he stayed strong.

“I don’t like you that way. I just thought we were having …as friends.” Kangta commented. “I’m sorry if I made it seem like more, but…you and I don’t belong together. There is someone else for you.” He added.

Eric opened his mouth to exclaim, “But he never wanted me Chilhyun ah!!! He never wanted me in the first place!! You wanted me!!! So please! Please! Come to me!” He clutched his hands to the upper arms and shouted right at Kangta’s face.

The younger man’s eyebrows furrowed.

His lips were quivering.

Kangta wanted to confess; he wanted to yell at the man that he was so damn in love with him right now that it hurt him to see him actually want him; he wanted to curse Eric for coming to him, touching him, having with him, taking his ity; he wanted to grab the face and kiss him.

“Chilhyun ah!” Eric’s eyes were furious. “I love you! Why can’t you listen to me and just come to me!?”

“I…I…I…”

“Pilkyo never wanted me! He never will! And I am ready to move on!” Eric cupped the face, and open-mouth kissed the shorter man.

Kangta closed his eyes, answered the kiss, but shortly raised his hands to the pecs and pushed the leader of Shinhwa off of him. Eric was in the verge of tears, but he didn’t cry; he never cried. Kangta had never seen him cry over these things.

“Don’t move on for me,” Kangta sounded cold.

“Wha…”

“I never wanted you that way.” He spoke. “I just used you.”

Eric shook his head bewildered.

“You’re better with anyone else but me anyways.” Kangta mumbled. “Believe me.”

“No, Chilhyun! Please, no!”

“Leave me alone.” Kangta commanded. “It is less embarrassing if you leave now.” He shoved the guy away from him and closed the door in front of Eric.

“I love yo—“

As soon as the lock clicked, Kangta pressed his back against the door, slid down until he was sitting on the floor and commenced crying. That was the most difficult decision he had ever made.

                ***

Heavy steps entered the dorm and the other members turned their heads at the door. Hyesung’s mouth flew open when he saw the saddened leader go directly to his own room. The door was closed, locked, and no one was allowed to go inside.

Minwoo and the others turned back to the television and continued watching whatever was on, while Hyesung was staring at the empty spot where Eric had stood like a drowned dog.

“If you are so concerned then go see how he is,” Dongwan said. “Otherwise continue massaging my feet!”

Hyesung didn’t have to be told twice, as he kicked the feet off of him, and stood up. He almost ran to the door, arm up, ready to knock the door when it opened and Eric stepped out.

He glowered at the main vocalist.

The main vocalist leered at the leader.

“What happened…?”

“It’s none of your business.”

Hyesung moved out of the way so Eric could advance the bathroom.

“Were you seeing Kangta…?”

“Guess.”

Hyesung sealed his lips and followed the older man.

“What did he say…?”

“None of your business.” Eric repeated, emphasis on the last word.

Hyesung stopped.

“Eric…”

“He rejected me okay?! Are you satisfied now or do you want everyone to hear it?!” The oldest Shinhwa member screamed at the