OUR STORY (BxB)

Chapter 8

-AKIRO-

We were in the practice room with the other members, catching our breath during a short break. We'd been learning new steps for the next performance, and the room was buzzing with quiet energy.

Roo and I sat together in the corner while the others kept busy—some stretching, some scrolling through their phones.

"Roo," I asked softly, "when are we going to tell them we're in a relationship?"

He looked at me, serious and steady. "Let's talk to Joshua and Stephen first. Let's tell them before anyone else, so we'll know what to do."

I nodded. I agreed with his plan completely.

When things get serious, we go to Stephen and Joshua. Stephen's the one who truly understands Tamaro. He's protective, always watching over him. Joshua's mine. He gets me—even through all the teasing and rough edges—and he's just as protective in his own way.

Jemuel's close to both of us, especially to Tamaro. They're best friends. But even Tamaro can't tell him everything—not this, not yet.

We figured it was best to tell the two oldest first. Not just for support, but to help guide us through whatever comes next.

Practice had ended, and one by one, the members filtered out of the studio. Since Stephen and Joshua shared a room, they lingered, gathering their things before heading home. That left just the four of us—me, Tamaro, Stephen, and Joshua.

We approached them slowly as they packed up.

"Brother," Tamaro called out softly.

Joshua looked up in surprise. "You're still here? I thought you left with the others."

Tamaro glanced down and scratched the back of his neck. "We'd like to talk to you."

Immediately, the air shifted. Their expressions turned serious, exchanging a look between them.

"This sounds like a real talk," Stephen said, motioning for us to sit. "Let's sit down first."

The four of us settled into the floor, facing one another.

"What's this about?" Joshua asked calmly.

Tamaro looked at me. I met his eyes. We both took a breath, silently agreeing.

He reached out and held my hand.

Stephen and Joshua's eyes fell to our joined hands.

"Well," Stephen said with a crooked smile, crossing his arms, "Looks like we don't need to ask any more questions."

Joshua didn't smile. His voice stayed even. "Since when?"

"January," Tamaro answered without hesitation. He always took the lead when things got serious. I sat beside him, feeling a wave of anxiety—it was all still new to us. But between the two of us, he was the brave one.

Joshua's expression shifted. "Do you even understand what you're getting into? Do you know what could happen if the company finds out?"

Stephen raised a hand. "Let's hear them out first."

I kept my head down. What Joshua said wasn't wrong. There are real consequences to this. But what could we do? We love each other.

"Brother," Tamaro said gently, "we told you because we trust you. We know you'll understand."

"We do understand, Tamaro," Joshua replied. "But we don't want you to get hurt. We don't want either of you to face cruel words. You know how things are here... the Philippines isn't always kind to relationships like yours."

"I love him," I finally said, voice unsteady. I couldn't hold it back anymore. Joshua turned to me and let out a long sigh.

Stephen leaned forward with a faint smile. "Honestly... we've felt it from the beginning. There was something different between you two. So, I'm not surprised."

Then he looked at Joshua. "Josh, they need us more than ever now. We're here to protect them, right?"

Joshua nodded slowly. "You'll need to tell the rest of the group eventually. You can't hide this forever. But know this—whatever happens, we're still here for you."

Tamaro's eyes welled up. "Thank you, brothers. We really don't regret telling you first."

"You two know we love you," Stephen said gently. "We're happy for you. But if ever there's tension between you, don't let it spill into work."

He and Joshua stood up and wrapped their arms around us. I couldn't hold back my tears. Their support... it meant everything.

"Ohh, don't cry, Akiro," Joshua chuckled, placing an arm around me. "Just promise us—when problems come, talk it out. Fix it. Relationships aren't easy... especially not when you're in the spotlight."

Stephen turned to Tamaro. "And you—protect Akiro. Between you both, you're the strong one."

After sharing our secret with them, it felt like a weight had been lifted—a thorn pulled out of our hearts. They promised to find a way for all seven of us to talk, to hear everyone's thoughts.

We were relieved. Grateful. We had people willing to protect us, understand us.

This is the beginning of something real.

Stephen and Joshua left the studio first. It was just the two of us again.

"Baby, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

"Yes, baby," I smiled. "I'm actually happy. We finally shared the truth."

He stepped closer and gently touched my cheek.

"I'll protect you, baby. No matter what happens... I love you."

He kissed my forehead, and I closed my eyes.

"I love you more," I whispered, pulling him into a tight embrace.

-TAMARO-

This is the day Joshua and Stephen decided to tell the other members about our relationship. We don't have practice today and we're just in the dorm. Manager Brandon is at the company, so only the seven of us are here today. Everyone woke up in the afternoon because we got home early during dance practice. We are eating our breakfast now.

"After we eat, we will talk about something important," Joshua said seriously to everyone. Jemuel, Renz, and Harly were surprised.

"Bro, what should we talk about?" Renz asked and looked at us one by one. I knew Akiro was nervous so I held his hand under the table he looked at me so I smiled at him.

Let's finish eating before we talk," Joshua said seriously and continued eating. You can see the surprise on the faces of the three of them. Jemuel looked at me and signaled if I knew. But I just bowed and ate.

We have finished washing the plates we used and we are now here in the small Living Room of our Dorm. Everyone is serious and silent waiting for what Joshua has to say.

"There's something you three should know because you're the only one who doesn't know it," Joshua said looking at the three. They were surprised but they still chose to remain silent and looked at us. And they look serious.

"Tamaro say it," I gasped when Joshua ordered me to tell them. I held Akiro's hand and we both looked at each other and I smiled at him.

"Akiro and I are going to be in a relationship," I said and raised our hands holding each other.

"What?" Renz is shocked.

"Huh?" Harly reacted.

They reacted at the same time. Jemuel's eyes widened as he looked at us. And soon he smiled widely.

"I'm right. There's something between you two. Best friend congrats you have a love life now," Jemuel said smiling to us and he stood up and hugged both of us. I could see the joy on Jemuel's face so Akiro and I also smiled.

"Wait a minute. When?" Renz asked seriously.

"Last January," Akiro answered.

"Why? I mean, why did it lead to this?" Harly asked.

"Bro, we love each other. Even we didn't expect this," I said.

"You know, our group is just now being recognized in the Ppop world, and you two are in a relationship? What if the company finds out?" Renz said. He is irritated.

"Renz," Stephen called him seriously so we all looked at him.

"There's nothing we can do if those two love each other. As much as possible, let's not tell the company about their relationship. Let's make sure we're a stable group before letting the company know," Stephen answered seriously, making Renz's face flush. We can't blame him for his reaction. Because out of all of us, he is the one who suffers the most because he carries all of us on his shoulders as the leader of our group.

"Wait a minute, it's not that we object to the relationship between the two of you, but do you know the consequences of your decision?" Harly asked.

"We knew that the timing of our relationship was wrong. But I love Akiro. I will do everything to protect him," I said seriously. Akiro next to me was just silently crying.

"Akiro, are you sure about this?" Renz asked him.

"I love him. You know that since training days he has always been with me. He has helped me a lot, why I am still in the group you. We will face whatever the consequences of our relationship are," answered Akiro. They all sighed except for Jemuel who smiled at us. So, I smile too. I know he has a lot of questions after we talked today.

"All right, we'll support you two in your relationship. But please be careful and don't show off too much," Renz said. Harly laughed next to him.

"No one will notice that Renz, because it's natural for those two to always be close together," Harly said laughing, making the others laugh as well.

"Just be careful. You two are one of the youngest among us and we don't want you to get hurt. We don't want you to receive discrimination from others," Renz said so I couldn't hold back my tears. I stood up and hugged him.

"Thank you, Brother," I said to him. Akiro also stood up and hugged us. Jemuel, Joshua, Stephen, and Harly also stood up and hugged us.

Akiro and I were very lucky because we had older brothers who understood us and were willing to protect us. We didn't tell the company about our relationship first. The brothers supported us. When we forget the camera, they secretly reprimand us. We understand that because they only protect us. The important thing for me and Akiro is that we are happy now. We are happy because we have a blessing from our older brothers.

-AKIRO-

We are thankful because the members understand us. We keep our relationship. Our behavior in public is still the same. The two of us are still close even in Fan signs and interviews.

After we talked about us just a few weeks ago, he immediately released a cover song called "How Am I supposed to live without you,". This is where we started showing to the public what we have between the two of us. A few weeks later, I also released a full cover song of "Nothing Like Us". I can say that this song is for both of us. Each other was our first relationship. I'm still a little scared because I don't have experience in a relationship, unlike Tamaro. I don't know how to handle it properly.

A month passed and little by little I started to feel different about Tamaro. We are already in a relationship. But what I feel for him is still limited. But now it's different. Every time I stare at him, I find it hard to get away. I was always in awe of him every time he spoke. Sometimes I forget that the cameras are facing us. Little by little I fell in love with him. The feeling that I don't want him out of my sight. I always look for his presence. My heart beats faster every time I'm near him.

I feel lust every time I'm next to him. The way he held me made me restless. Until we both just kissed, we hadn't reached the point of having s*x. That's also what I thank Tamaro for because somehow, he knows the limits of both of us. But sometimes we can't avoid touching each other. Even if there is a camera sometimes, we forget.

It's summer and we will have a Phonix film Summer Package in Abu Dabi.

We just arrived here in Abu Dabi and this morning we have a Photoshoot in the desert area in this country. Tamaro and I have separate rooms. But unbeknownst to them, Tamaro is moving into my room so we can sleep next to each other. He can't sleep well if I'm not next to him and neither can I.

While we took a photoshoot on top of the car in front of the sunset, Akiro and I were next to each other.

"Baby, the sunset is really beautiful," he said and put his arm around me. I wrapped my hand around his waist. we no longer care if there is a camera pointed at us.

"This is our first out-of-the-country trip that we will be in a relationship," I said to him with a smile.

"Yes, and it's also one of the most memorable parts of my life," he said with a smile.

"Same to me, Tamaro," I agreed.

We finished the Photoshoot at night. So, we went straight to a restaurant where they were doing a program. We were sitting on the carpet and someone was dancing in the middle and enjoying themselves. We can't be next to each other. Harly is in the middle of us but that won't be the reason why I can't look at Tamaro. He was invited to dance in the middle. We had fun, they were laughing while he danced but it was me and I was taking a video of him while staring. I already fell hard for him.

The next day we played with the members. And Jemuel, Tamaro, and I are in a group. I am very competitive in everything. I don't accept defeat.

But in this game, we lost. Because of Tamaro's mistakes. I was so annoyed because I couldn't accept that I was able to say a word.

"Next time I don't want to team up with Tamaro again," I said, I finally thought about what I said. He got angry with me because of what I said. I have a conscience.

He ignores me and avoids me. I'm not used to this I feel like I'm going crazy. He ignored me until dinner. And he didn't move to my room to sleep. I can't sleep either because I know he hates me. So, I decided to go to his room. I knocked on his room a few times before he opened it. When he saw me, he didn't say anything but just looked at me.

"Can I come in?" I asked biting my lip. He opened the door wide and turned his back on me. I went in and closed the door. He was walking towards his bed when I suddenly hugged him from behind.

"Roo, I'm sorry please, I was just taken to the game earlier, I didn't mean to say that," I said crying. I am hurt by his avoidance. I got used to having almost all of his attention on me. He sighed and faced me. I'm still crying because I'm disgusted with myself. I'm so immature. He didn't speak but he wiped my tears and touched my cheek and smiled.

"It's okay baby I understand," he said smiling. I cried even more because of how he treated me. In the few months we were in a relationship, he was the one who always understood.

"I'm sorry Roo," I started crying. Do I deserve his love? Do I deserve all his understanding?

He hugged me tightly and I did the same. He faced me again and wiped my tears. He slowly approached and kissed me on the lips. I closed my eyes and responded to his kiss. I wrapped my hand around his neck to deepen our kiss.

I was pulled by his hair and his hands were on my back. He picked me up and laid me on the bed and lay on top of me while still kissing. We savored our feelings for each other in the kisses we shared today. I felt his hardness in my stomach and so am I. I gasped as his kisses fell on my neck. I was overcome with a strange feeling. A grunt came out of my mouth.

"s**t, I'm sorry baby, it's not the right time for this," he stood up and took some water and drank it. My throat also felt dry because something almost happened to the two of us. I smiled because somehow, he was able to stop. I lay down on the bed and looked at him.

"I'll sleep here Roo," I said smiling. He sighed and lay down next to me. When he lay down, I immediately hugged him. I made his arm a pillow. He also hugged me tightly.

"I love you Tamaro, Goodnight,"

"Goodnight Akiro. I love you more," He answered and kissed me on the head. It's a good feeling when you can talk about what you've been fighting about and fix it.

When we came home from Abu Dhabi, Tamaro and I became closer. We were touchier with each other. In interviews and TV guesting, we are always next to each other. Every time he is next to me, I know I am safe and have confidence in myself. Sometimes the older members scolded us because there was a camera pointed at us.

In the month of April, we told the public about our ship's name. We called ourselves TamaKiro. Last year we named it after the two of us when we got together in a game. We named our team Tamakiro. Tamaro and Akiro. In this month also Jemuel confirm our Tamakiro ship by posting it on Twitter. Jemuel is one of the brothers who supported our relationship. And besides he's Tamaro's best friend.

One time we had a fan sign made for the fans. That was the time when I couldn't control myself. I want Tamaro's attention. Whenever he acts cute. I want to pull him and kiss him. If we weren't at our fan signing event today, I might have kissed him. I didn't expect to fall in love with him so hard. My feelings for him are developing little by little, so I'm having a hard time getting out of my feelings of drowning in him.

This is what unexpected love is like. It feels good. It's like you're always floating on a cloud. When I see her beautiful face, I don't want to close my eyes. I will never get tired of looking at him.

"Tamaro, stop acting cute faces when we are in public," I told him after the fan signing. We're in the dressing room right now.

"Baby, I need to act cute for the fans," he insisted.

"Haizztt, this is so hard. I want to keep you in my pocket so that no one can see your beautiful face," I said while frowning.

"Oh, my baby is being possessive right now," he teased me. I just look at him angrily but he just laughs.

I have a selfish attitude. What's yours is mine. What is mine is mine. When it comes to him, I am very possessive and jealous. I know that this is not a good behavior so I am slowly changing myself for him. There are times when we fight because of my jealousy. I really can't help it sometimes.

Just like when Tamaro and Mark Perez had the TV show called "Brothers". They were filming and I was just in the dorm waiting for him to come home. But at two am he still didn't come home so I called him.

"Ohh, Akiro," he said casually when he answered my call.

"Roo, what time are you coming home?" I ask

"Hmmm, maybe three am," he said.

"Okay, I will wait for you,"

"Okay," he said and ended the call.

They are still filming and my anxiety is killing me. I don't want him to be closer to someone else. But I think I need to used to it. As I know he is a social butterfly. He can make friends easily.

-TAMARO-

A few days after we started filming "Brothers". I went to Mark's studio. It's Akiro's first time MCing a music award show. As far as I know Akiro, Akiro is very shy, especially with people he doesn't know yet.

"Bro, why are you here?" he asked in shock.

"Hmmm, aren't you one of the MCs at the music award? You're with Akiro,"

"Ooh, yes, I'm with him. There are four of us, we also have two female artists with us," he explained.

"Can you take care of him? Out of all the members, he's the shyest. He's not used to things like this."

"I'll take care of him, bro," he answered. I feel relieved because I know that Mark will not leave him.

It was during the award show. I didn't expect to see another Akiro. Jealousy ran through my blood. I'm annoyed because he flirted with an MC. I know it's just for show, but I still can't help but feel jealous. He is undeniably handsome. anyone will like him. Anxiety is killing me.

After the show, the members praised him. I ignore him. Because I was annoyed every time someone else approached him. When we were in the elevator going to the dressing room. That's when I spoke while the members were focusing on him.

"You're really good, I've seen a different Akiro," I said while rolling my eyes. And it is sarcastic.

I was too much for Akiro. Jealousy enveloped me so I didn't think that he would be hurt by what I said. When he was interviewed, he was asked how he felt while MCing. And I didn't expect him to cry. I was surprised because what I said resonated with him. I wanted to approach him and hug him to say sorry but I couldn't because there were many cameras focused on us. I want to blame myself for what I did. I even promised him that I would protect him. But I was also the reason for his crying. I just looked at him from a distance. I couldn't get close to him because Joshua stopped me. Joshua knows why Akiro cried. And that's my fault.

"Bro, it's my fault why he cried," I said frustrated.

"Just talk to him later and apologize," he said and tapped me on the shoulder. I took a deep breath while looking at Akiro who was crying.

It was late when we got home to the dorm. I want to talk to him because he hasn't been paying attention to me since earlier. He entered our room first so I immediately followed. I immediately hugged him back. He sniffed in shock.

"Baby, I'm sorry for what I said earlier, I was just jealous because you flirted with MC," I said as my chin rested on his shoulder.

He didn't speak, He didn't even remove my hand that was holding him. I just felt that his shoulder was shaking. I immediately let go and made him face me. He is crying. I immediately hugged him. It hurts me every time I see him cry. His tears are my weakness.

"Shhhh, Baby I'm sorry," I said and about to cry.

"No, I should be the one to apologize to you because I know that you are jealous because of my actions," he cried.

"No baby, I know that's part of your acting so that your MCing won't be boring, I just overreacted, baby," I said while wiping his tears.

"I'm sorry it won't happen again," he said and hugged me.

"It's okay baby, I understand. I was just too emotional," I said and kissed him on the forehead.

We are still new to our relationship so we are still adjusting. We are also too possessive of each other. But our fight will always be talked about. So, it doesn't get worse.

Akiro is still young and he is still in the puberty stage. That's why I have a long understanding for him so that our relationship can last. The company doesn't know anything about our relationship yet, so we're still safe. The time will come when they will know and we are ready for the consequences that will happen. We are thankful to the other members because they will still understand us. They also protect us by reprimanding us not to touch each other too much when we are in public. Sometimes we forget. Because it's natural for us to always be close to each other.

-AKIRO-

Today is the weekend so we're just in the dorm all day. But last night we were surprised when some staff came to the Dorm. We were gathered at our small dining table because we were supposed to have a conversation. They have cameras with them, so it's sure to be released to the public. We are facing the producer of the company. We were all surprised because today we are leaving for our "Travel Blog" reality show.

We were told this last week but they didn't say when we were leaving. And now we rush to pack because they just gave us fifty minutes. They said we would only bring hand-carry bags. I'm a little sad because we can't go with Roo when we leave. After all, he has an appointment to meet the producer of the new drama he belongs to. There were cameras pointed at us while we were packing so he couldn't get close to me. He was just in the kitchen waiting and just looking at us messing around.

After an hour of arranging our things, we were ready to leave. We were in the dining room and he was also sitting on the chair in front of me. The production team was saying something to the members but I was facing him.

"Are the things you're going to bring complete?" he asked me while still looking at the camera.

"Yes, I only have a few clothes," I answered.

"I'm not there, so be careful, don't stay away from the members, okay?" he said worriedly.

"Noted," I said laughing but in truth, I was thinking of him being left alone here in the Dorm.

"Call me when you get there and always message me," he added. We all said goodbye to him. The members hugged him one by one and I was the last one.

"I love you, baby, I miss you just now," he whispered when I hugged him.

"I love you too Roo, Follow us right away. I'll wait for you," I also whispered to him.

"I will baby," he answered and kissed me on the cheek. So, I just smiled.

When we checked in at the airport, I was still thinking about him. It's the first time for all of us to do this by ourselves. That's why I'm worried about him because he will be traveling alone. He will be with the Camera director but it's different if we are with him.

While we were waiting at the departure area, I went to CR. But the truth is I will call him. I just want to let him know that we are already at the airport. I will update him, he said. So, if he doesn't call me, I'll send him a message.

During our whole trip to Norway, I was thinking about Tamaro I wish we could be together now. We should be sitting next to each other on the plane. But he's not here so Jemuel is the only one next to me. I just quietly followed the members where they were going or I would just answer when they asked. I'm busy taking pictures. I will show it to him when he arrives.

On our first day in Norway, I did nothing but take pictures of the place. I go with the members but it's different when I go with Tamaro. When we arrive in Norway. I didn't expect that the members would surprise me with a small celebration for my birthday. We are doing A Live broadcast.

"Akiro, when you get a kiss from one of the members as a present? Who would it be?" Joshua asks. I bow because they teasing me.

"We couldn't it now. Let's do it next time," Stephen said and laughed.

I don't know what do to with this brother. They are exposing us. I feel shy, and I hide my smile. I feel like all my blood goes up to face. I miss him.

"Tamaro, you can kiss him. A kiss from a boy," Renz shouted facing the camera. I know he is watching this broadcast now. And I know his laughing because of the naughtiness of the members.

I won't hide. Because of embarrassment, the smile on my face is already plastered until the broadcast ends. But even the broadcast ended they are still teasing me.

"You miss Tamaro?" Jemuel asked while smiling. I didn't answer, I just smiled and rubbed my nape because of shyness.