Rumors in the Air
The city was buzzing with more than just ECLYPSE's comeback promotions. Whispers followed Draven wherever he went, faint but persistent. Even without being in the idol world, he could feel eyes watching, trying to piece together the closeness between him and Zenith.
Aiven noticed it first. While they were at the café, a group of fans lingered outside, snapping photos of Draven discreetly and murmuring amongst themselves.
"They're talking about him again," Aiven muttered, concern darkening his tone.
Draven clenched his jaw. "I know. I'll deal with it. Don't worry."
But deep down, he knew this was different. This wasn't just idle curiosity—it was suspicion. And once suspicion gained momentum, it had a way of dragging everyone into chaos.
The Members Notice
At the dorm, Raze and the other members had started noticing small changes in Zenith. His smiles were rarer, his focus sharper, and he sometimes disappeared for hours without explanation.
"Where's Zenith?" Kaze asked, tossing a bag onto his bed.
Raze shrugged, his own thoughts heavy. "I don't know… but something's going on. I can feel it."
Arstyx added, frowning, "He's not joking around like before. Even with the members."
Raze's stomach tightened. He knew the tension wasn't just from him—it was personal. Something—or someone—was occupying Zenith's thoughts in a way he couldn't reach yet.
Fans Closing In
Word began spreading online. A few sharp-eyed fans noticed Zenith lingering around certain areas, subtle interactions with someone outside the group. Rumors started to circulate, tagging Draven's name alongside Zenith's.
Zenith noticed the subtle uptick in activity, a low growl forming in his chest. He had been careful—silent, patient—but the fandom's curiosity was relentless.
Draven, meanwhile, sensed the change. On their walk one evening, Aiven whispered, "It's getting worse. They're starting to follow Draven too."
Draven's jaw tightened. "Then we move faster. We don't hide, but we don't show everything. Patience, Aiven. Patience."
Aiven nodded, worried, but trusting Draven's judgment.
The First Glimpse
The tipping point came when a fan managed to capture a single photo of Draven and Zenith walking a little too closely together after a meeting in the city. The image spread across social media like wildfire, sparking debate, gossip, and heated speculation.
Raze saw it first on his phone. His eyes widened, heart tightening. It was subtle, yes, but the closeness between Draven and Zenith was unmistakable.
Arstyx leaned over his shoulder, voice low. "Raze… they're… together?"
Raze shook his head. "Not confirmed yet. But it's getting too obvious to ignore."
Secrets in Jeopardy
That night, Draven sat alone in his apartment, phone buzzing continuously. Messages from fans, strangers, and even some concerned acquaintances started piling in. The careful secrecy that had protected them until now was fraying.
He glanced at Aiven, who was quietly organizing some papers. "It's happening," Draven said softly.
Aiven frowned. "What do we do?"
Draven's lips pressed into a thin line. "We protect each other. Like always. But we also… prepare. Things are about to get louder."
And somewhere in the city, Zenith watched the same social media trends, jaw tight. The secret they had been guarding together was slipping, and he knew it wouldn't be long before they all had to face it—fans, members, and the world itself.