The morning after the attack on Aiven's house, the world feels heavier.
Aiven wakes up in the spare room of ECLYPSE's dorm, wrapped in one of Nova's fluffy blankets. His phone keeps vibrating — not with support messages, but with hundreds of hate comments, threats, and fan attacks.
Fans refusing to believe Raze is gay. Fans calling Aiven a liar. Fans claiming Aiven seduced their idol.
Aiven drops the phone, heart sinking.
---
Outside the Dorm — A Storm of Fans
By the time Raze returns from practice, their manager is sweating.
"Raze… don't be shocked, but there are over a hundred fans downstairs. They refuse to leave."
Raze steps to the window.
A sea of fans, signs, cameras, and angry yelling crowds the front gate.
A girl screams at the top of her lungs:
> "RAZE WOULD NEVER LIKE A GUY!"
"SHOW US THAT BOY!"
"BRING AIVEN OUT!"
Aiven shrinks beside Raze.
"Are… they really here for me?"
Raze clenches his jaw. "They don't know anything. Don't look at them."
But Aiven can see fear in Raze's eyes too.
---
Eryssa Appears — Poison Wrapped in Beauty
During lunch, a loud knock shakes the dorm door.
Kazé opens it… then groans loudly.
Standing there is Eryssa Vale, dressed in a sparkling silver outfit, smiling with poisoned sweetness.
"Hello~ I heard poor Raze was dealing with a… problem."
Her eyes land on Aiven.
Sharp. Territorial. Venomous.
"Oh. So this is the boy causing trouble. Cute, but… disposable."
Aiven stiffens.
Raze steps between them. "Eryssa, leave."
She laughs, brushing a hand through her pink hair.
"I just came to help you, Raze. Your image is falling apart. Fans think you're—"
"Eryssa," Zenith warns, "you're not welcome."
She smirks, spins, and leaves — but not before whispering to Aiven:
> "Be careful. The world doesn't want you next to him."
---
Night — Astryx Confronts Aiven
Aiven steps into the hallway to get water when Astryx appears leaning on the wall, arms crossed, eyes cold.
"Aiven… can we talk?"
Aiven nods nervously.
Astryx steps closer, his tone low, sharp.
"Do you know what you're doing to Raze? Our schedules are messed up. Fans are angry. The company is watching his every step."
Aiven swallows. "I… I didn't want any of this."
Astryx's jaw tightens. For a moment, he looks almost jealous.
"You're just some boy from a café. Raze is— Raze is everything to us. If you hurt him, I won't forgive you."
Aiven flinches, eyes watering.
Astryx exhales sharply and turns away.
"Just… don't make him choose between us."
---
Almost-Kiss — Hearts Too Close
Later that night, Aiven can't sleep.
He walks onto the balcony, shivering from the cold.
Raze finds him there.
"Aiven… what happened earlier with Astryx… don't mind him."
Aiven shakes his head. "I shouldn't be here. Everyone hates me. Your fans, your group— I'm just ruining everything."
Raze steps closer.
"You're not ruining anything. You saved me from myself."
Aiven looks up at him, eyes shining.
Raze gently cups Aiven's chin.
Their faces inch closer… their breaths mixing… the world going silent around them.
Aiven whispers, voice trembling:
"Raze…"
Just as their lips are about to touch—
BOOM!
Someone throws a rock at the dorm window.
Both jump back.
Shouts rise from outside.
> "BRING OUT THE BOY!"
"Raze belong to us!"
"Aiven Hale must leave!"
Raze pulls Aiven into his arms, holding him tight.
"You're safe. I won't let them touch you."
A tear slips down Aiven's cheek.
And Raze whispers against his ear:
"I'm not letting you go."