Chapter 19

Faye Malisorn's POV

After finishing up at the salon, I quickly change into a fresh set of clothes and make my way to P'wan.

My mind is racing with questions and worries about the urgent meeting, but I try to maintain my composure as I enter the building.

As I arrived at the location, I see Marissa, Ize, and Yoko already sitting around the table, looking just as confused and concerned as I feel.

As I walk into the room and my gaze lands on Yoko, my heart sinks a little when I realize she's avoiding eye contact with me. She's sitting quietly, her focus seemingly anywhere but on me.

I take a seat next to Yoko, careful to maintain a small distance between us. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see her tense up slightly when I sit down, but she still doesn't look directly at me.

P'wan clears her throat, getting our attention. She looks uncharacteristically serious as she sits down behind her desk.

"I've called you all here because there has been a video circulating online that you all need to know about," she says, and turn her gaze to me and Yoko. "This video involves both of you specifically."

A collective look of confusion washes over all of us at P'wan's words. We exchange glances, silently wondering what kind of video could possibly involve both Yoko and me specifically.

P'wan takes out her phone and after a few taps, the video starts playing, and the room falls silent as it begins to unfold.

On the screen, the scene shows me taking a sip of water and Yoko suddenly appearing beside me, wrapping her arms around my waist and giving me quick kisses on my neck.

The whole interaction lasts only a few seconds, but the implications behind it are clear.

I feel a wave of anger and violation wash over me, knowing that our private intimate moment has been captured and shared without our knowledge or consent.

I quickly turn to P'wan and ask, "Who took this video?"

P'wan sighs, her expression apologetic but also slightly irritated. "One of our staff members took this video and leaked it online," she explains.

P'wan speaks up again, her voice taking on a more reassuring tone.

"I know how you both must feel about this. I've already taken steps to try and get the video taken down and have told the fans to respect your privacy," she says.

"Unfortunately, the video seems to have spread quite a bit already, even though some fans have deleted it." she continues.

Marissa, who has been quietly listening, suddenly speaks up. "What about the staff who took this video? What happened to them?"

P'wan nods grimly, already anticipating the question. "I've already spoken to the staff responsible for this. In response, they've taken the initiative to resign."

I feel a pang of guilt as P'wan explains the staff's resignation.

While I understand the seriousness of what they did, a part of me wishes the situation could have been resolved without such drastic consequences.

I'm about to speak up when Yoko suddenly pipes up, asking the question that's been on my mind as well.

"Did they really have to resign?" she asks, her voice a bit hesitant. "I mean, couldn't we have just fixed this without someone losing their job?"

P'wan looks at her with a stern expression. "You know as well as I do how serious this is. We can't just brush it off as a minor mistake. This staff member violated your privacy, and that's not something we can ignore."

I sigh, acknowledging the truth in P'wan's words. She's right, it wasn't a minor mistake. This staff knowingly invaded our privacy, and the consequences for such a breach are severe.

I steal another glance at Yoko. As our eyes meet, I can see a mixture of emotions in her gaze - confusion, frustration, and a hint of something more.

I can't help but wonder what she's thinking and feeling in this moment.

P'wan notices our somber mood and takes a moment to give us a serious look.

"I didn't call you all here just to show you the video. I wanted to bring this to your attention because I think it's important for you to understand how easily your privacy can be invaded." she says, her tone firm but caring.

"You need to be more mindful of your actions. There will always be people watching and recording your every move." She then looks directly at me and Yoko, her gaze firm but understanding. "Especially you two."

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words. It's not just about us being more careful in public. It's about protecting our privacy and maintaining professional boundaries, especially as idols.

P'wan's gaze softens, her voice gentle but firm. "I know it's not easy, especially given your... situation," she says delicately, referencing our relationship. "But you have to remember that you're not just a couple, you're also idols. And that comes with certain responsibilities."

I nod, understanding her meaning all too well. Yoko remains stoic, her expression giving nothing away, but the tension in her body betrays her emotions.

We all express our thanks to P'wan for bringing this matter to us and for handling the situation as best she could. We appreciate her guidance and her attempts to mitigate the situation.

"Alright, you all can head out now."

We all nod silently, the weight of what just happened sinking in. We slowly rise from our seats, each of us lost in our own thoughts.

My heart aches as I watch Yoko, her avoidant behavior weighing heavily on me. I can't help but wonder what's going through her mind right now.

Feeling the need to talk things out, I reach out to Yoko and gently touch her arm, causing her to look up at me.

"Can we talk?" I ask quietly, hopeful for a chance to clear the air.

Yoko looks at me for a moment, her expression still guarded. After a brief pause, she nods silently, signaling her agreement to talk.

Without a word, I take her hand and lead her towards my car. I open the passenger door for Yoko and gesture for her to get in.

As she settles into the seat, I slide into the driver's seat and turn to face her, my heart beating a little faster with nerves.

Yoko looks around, taking in the enclosed space of the car, and then turns to me with a curious expression.

"Are we going to talk right here?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, adjusting my position so I'm facing her fully. "It's quiet and private, which is what we need right now."

Yoko nods, seeming to agree with my logic. She fidgets with the hem of her shirt, a nervous habit of hers that I've come to recognize. I watch her for a moment, my heart aching at the sight of her discomfort.

As the silence stretches on, I realize I need to be the one to start the conversation. I take a deep breath and muster up the courage to speak.

"Yo," I begin, my voice gentle. "You've been acting differently lately. Is something wrong?"

Yoko hesitates for a moment, her gaze fixed on her hands in her lap. When she does speak, her voice is soft.

"I've been thinking about that encounter we had with that woman. I thought I could handle it, but clearly, I didn't. When you mentioned the whole judgment and backlash we could face for being together, it really got me thinking."

I nod silently, listening intently to her words. I had a feeling this would be one of the issues weighing on her mind, and I'm relieved she's finally voicing her thoughts.

Her gaze drops to her lap, and she continues, "I've been grappling with the idea that people might not accept us, and it's been on my mind a lot. I guess it's been affecting my behavior lately without me realizing it."

I nod slowly, understanding her concerns.

"I get it. The thought of dealing with judgment and criticism can be pretty overwhelming," I reply softly. "But we need to remember that our relationship is about us, not about what others think. We can't let outside opinions dictate our happiness."

Yoko sighs and looks up, her expression laced with guilt.

"I feel guilty," she confesses quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Before all this, I told you I didn't care about the risks, but now I realize I was wrong. One encounter with a judgmental person, and I'm already feeling affected by it. I feel like I'm letting you down."

I shake my head and reach out to gently take her hand.

"Yo, you're not letting me down. It's completely natural to feel worried about what others might think. It just shows that you're human and that you care about how this could affect us."

She nods, but there's still a hint of doubt in her eyes. "I just feel like I'm overthinking everything. I wish I could just brush it off and focus on us without worrying so much about what others might think."

I squeeze her hand gently, offering reassurance. "It's tough, I know," I say sympathetically.

"But we're in this together, remember? We're facing any challenges and criticism together. Your feelings are valid, and you don't have to feel guilty about them."

Yoko nods silently, her grip on my hand slightly tightening. I can tell she's still struggling with her guilt, but I hope my words have offered a little bit of comfort.

She takes a deep breath and turns to me, her expression contrite. "I know I've been distant and not good at communicating with you lately." She fidgets with her fingers, looking down at her lap. "I'm sorry,"

I offer her a small smile, my heart softening at her remorseful expression.

"It's okay. I understand that sometimes we can get caught up in our own thoughts and forget to communicate." I say gently.

Then I jokingly pretend to pout, poking her in the side. "But you know, I was a little hurt that you've been so distant," I say, exaggerating a hint of mock hurt in my voice.

Yoko laughs at my playful act, a sound that instantly brightens my mood.

"You're really trying to get a laugh out of me, aren't you?" she teases, a smile playing on her lips.

Seeing her laugh makes me incredibly happy, and I can't help but grin in response. "I missed you, you know."

Yoko's expression softens as she looks at me. "I missed you too. I'm sorry I made you worry."

"You know, there's a better way you can make it up to me."

"And what might that be?"

I lean in slightly, our faces inches apart. "You could start by giving me a kiss," I suggest, my voice a mixture of desire and teasing.

Yoko's cheeks flush slightly, but a hint of amusement dances in her eyes. She pretends to think for a moment, feigning hesitation.

"Hmm..."

"Yooo,"

Yoko laughs, clearly amused by my flirtation. "Is that really what you think I should do?"

I feign a pout, pretending to be offended.

"Of course it is. What better way to make it up to me, huh?" I lean in a little closer, my lips almost brushing against hers.

Yoko's expression softens, and she closes the remaining distance between us, pressing her lips against mine in a gentle, lingering kiss.

I smile against her lips, feeling a rush of happiness at the feeling of her kiss. I reach up, gently threading my fingers through her hair, pulling her closer as I deepen the kiss.

After a moment, we slowly break apart, both of us slightly breathless. Yoko grins at me, a sparkle in her eyes.

"How's that for making it up to you?"

I laugh, feigning a thoughtful expression. "It's a good start," I reply, my tone playful. "But I think I might need a few more kisses just to be sure you're really making it up to me."

Yoko laughs again, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"You're so greedy," she teases, but there's a hint of affection in her tone. She leans in again, her lips hovering just inches from mine, and playfully whispers,

"Good thing I have plenty more kisses to give."

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