For us || Hoshi

18

Some days have passed and although Bitna thought it was not necessary, Hoshi wanted to tell Solbin.

As Hoshi hesitantly broached the topic with Solbin, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension.

He knew that sharing the news of his new relationship with Bitna might not sit well with Solbin, but he also felt it was important to be honest with her.

"Solbin, there's something I need to tell you," Hoshi began, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he met her gaze.

Solbin's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing her features. "What is it?" she asked, her tone guarded.

Hoshi took a deep breath, steeling himself for her reaction. "Bitna and I, we're together now," he confessed, his words hanging in the air between them.

For a moment, Solbin's expression remained impassive, her features carefully schooled into a mask of composure.

But then, without warning, her facade crumbled, her eyes flashing with hurt and envy.

"What?" she exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "But I thought... I thought we had something. And the contract?!"

"I can't date freely, but we'll hide. No one will know"

"And us? If someone finds out I'll be embarrassed. It's easier if we date"

"We will. For the fans.... It's fake. I don't like you"

"Why?" Her voice crumbled

Hoshi winced at the pain in her voice, his heart heavy with guilt. "Solbin, I'm sorry," he began, his words halting as he struggled to find the right thing to say "but this for me was always a professional relationship"

But Solbin wasn't finished. "How could you do this to me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. "I thought you cared about me."

"I thought we could be friends... I never looked at you other way"

Solbin shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I can't believe this," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you were different."

"You're sounding like we were a thing..."

"We are" she screamed

"No we aren't. We have a contract that's it. I just thought I should tell you for a heads up."

"She messed with your mind"

"Nope. I need her in my life." He clenched his jaw "I won't show her off or anything. It doesn't mess with our arrangement"

"But-"

"Smile. Some fans are looking" he said showing a dry smile

He left short after and since he had the day off, he went to the place he wanted the most.

When Bitna opened the door and saw the troubled expression on Hoshi's face, her own heart sank.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, concern evident in her voice as she ushered him inside.

Hoshi let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his emotions.

"I... I talked to Solbin," he began, his voice filled with regret. "You were right"

"She threw a tantrum?" She asked