The next day
The media station was abuzz with anticipation as Taejoon and Han walked in for their interview. The interviewer, a well-known journalist, wasted no time in showing them the incriminating photo.
Han's eyes widened as he stared at the image, his mind racing for a response. But before he could say anything, Taejoon took the lead.
"We were just...it was an accident," Taejoon said, his voice smooth but laced with a hint of hesitation. "Han was about to fall, and I was trying to help him. We...we got caught up in the moment."
Han's eyes snapped to Taejoon's, a mix of surprise and understanding flashing across his face. He nodded in agreement, playing along with Taejoon's story.
The interviewer raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "So, it was a misunderstanding?"
Taejoon nodded, his expression sincere. "Yes, that's right.
Han's face fell, but he quickly recovered, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, exactly. We're just really close friends."
The interviewer wasn't buying it, but she pressed on, sensing a bigger story. "And what about your personal life, Taejoon? Do you have a girlfriend?"
Taejoon's hesitation was almost imperceptible. "Actually, I do," he said, his voice firm.
Han's head whipped around, shock etched on his face. What was Taejoon doing?
The interviewer's eyes lit up. "Really? Would you mind calling her over?"
Taejoon pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his expression calm. "Hey, babe. Can you come over? Yeah, now's good."
Han's mind was racing as he watched Taejoon, trying to process what was happening. A few minutes later, a stunning woman walked into the room, a warm smile on her face.
Taejoon's eyes met hers, and he stood up, taking her hand. "Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Sophia."
Han felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Sophia? Who was Sophia? And why was Taejoon introducing her like this?
The interviewer was taken aback, but she recovered quickly. "Ah, nice to meet you, Sophia. Can you tell us a bit about your relationship with Taejoon?"
Sophia smiled, playing the part perfectly. "Of course. We've been dating for a while now. We're very happy together."
Han's eyes were glued to Taejoon, trying to read between the lines. What was going on? Why was Taejoon doing this? 😮
The interviewer continued to ask questions, but Han's mind was elsewhere. He felt like he was living in a dream, a dream that was quickly turning into a nightmare. Who was this Sophia person, and why was Taejoon using her as a shield?
As the interview drew to a close, Han stood up, his legs shaking slightly. "Excuse me," he muttered, rushing out of the room.
Taejoon's eyes followed him, a flash of concern crossing his face. But he quickly masked it, smiling at the interviewer and Sophia. "I think that's enough for today, thank you."
As they left the media station, Han could feel Taejoon's eyes on him,
Outside the media station, Taejoon held Sophia's hand, his eyes locked on Han's as he walked out. Han's face was etched with pain, and for a moment, Taejoon's resolve wavered. But he quickly looked away, squeezing Sophia's hand tighter.
Han got into his car, his vision blurring as he looked back at Taejoon. Their eyes met, and Taejoon saw the hurt and betrayal there. He felt a pang in his chest, but he didn't look away. Han's car pulled away, leaving Taejoon standing there, feeling like he'd just made a huge mistake.
As they drove back to the vampire realm, Sophia turned to Taejoon, her expression concerned. "Why did you do that, Taejoon? You could have found another way out."
Taejoon sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was the only way to calm the tension. I don't want Han to get affected by all this."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Han is already affected, Taejoon. He's hurt. What do you think he'll think now?
Taejoon winced, feeling a stab of guilt. "I'll talk to him, Sophia. Just stop worrying. I'll handle it."
Meanwhile, at Han's place, he was drowning his sorrows in a sea of alcohol. Empty bottles littered the floor as he sat, crying and muttering Taejoon's words to himself.
Jace, Kai, and Adriel burst into the house, their faces etched with concern. They'd watched the interview and knew Han was hurting.
"Hey, man, it's okay," Jace said, trying to take the bottle away from Han.
Adriel and Kai wrapped their arms around Han, holding him tight as he sobbed. "We're here for you, Han. You're not alone."
Han's body shook with sobs as he cried, his heart breaking into a million pieces. He felt like he'd lost the one person he thought loved him back. 😔
The group held him tight, trying to offer what little comfort they could. They knew Han was hurting, and they were determined to be there for him, no matter what.