OUR STORY (BxB)

Chapter 23

-AKIRO-

We were at the Davao airport, waiting for our flight. Mr. William had arranged everything for the trip. There were no staff traveling with us, but we would be accompanied by bodyguards once we arrived in China.

I brought my camera for the GCF.

Still, I felt anxious. Restless. I kept dialing Tamaro's number, but he wouldn't pick up.

Jemuel noticed and tried to reassure me. He told me to calm down—that everything would be okay.

Even though I didn't want to film this trip with him, I had no choice.

It was part of the deal.

When we arrived in China, I started filming Jemuel—he would be the model for my GCF. But I didn't plan to capture everything. That's not why I came here.

I needed to talk to Roo. I needed answers.

As we walked through different places in China, Tamaro was still nowhere to be found. Jemuel tried calling him, but his phone was either off or unanswered when it did ring.

We looked around until it was nearly midnight—searching every spot where we thought he might be.

But we didn't see him. Not even his shadow.

We were in the room. I stood on the balcony, phone in hand, staring at the moon. Jemuel came over and gently patted my shoulder.

Tears started flowing, and I couldn't stop them.

"Why didn't he tell me about the trip with his family?" I asked, hoping Jemuel had the answer.

"Tamaro always has his reasons," he said quietly. "You need to wait. Let him explain."

"I still don't get it," I replied, my voice breaking. "It hurts... being ignored like that. We were apart and he didn't even call."

I told Jemuel everything. I had to say it out loud—otherwise, I felt like I'd lose control.

He tried to comfort me with his words, but my mind was still on Tamaro.

We only stayed in China for one night. Tomorrow, we head back to Manila.

There's an award show we need to attend.

The award show had arrived, but I still hadn't spoken to Roo.

Manager Brandon mentioned that he'd be coming directly from Davao.

We were all in the dressing room when he walked in.

My heart started pounding the moment I saw him.

He greeted the members one by one—but there was something different about him.

He didn't look at me. Not even once.

It felt like I didn't exist.

I wanted to cry from the way he treated me.

Jemuel noticed and gently patted my shoulder. I looked at him and gave a bitter smile.

Then one of the staff came over and told me I'd be standing next to Jemuel.

The show was about to start. We were getting ready to go on stage for our performance.

I wasn't in the mood, but I tried to keep it to myself. I didn't want anyone to notice.

I kept glancing at Roo. He was acting like nothing was wrong—smiling, interacting, performing. It was like he had completely forgotten everything between us. And it was tearing me apart.

The other members had started to notice. We hadn't spoken since Roo arrived.

Joshua pulled me aside and said, "Stop sulking. It's starting to get obvious."

But I couldn't help it. I've never been good at hiding my emotions—not like Roo.

Before the event ended, all the artists gathered on stage. I stood beside Jemuel and Joshua, while Roo chatted happily with one of his artist friends. They walked onto the stage together, smiling and talking like nothing was wrong.

From time to time, I glanced at him. And once again, the jealousy crept in, biting at me quietly.

I wanted to pull him close, to have him beside me like before—but that wasn't possible.

We started singing, the whole group joining in. Roo looked completely at ease, enjoying the moment. I watched him closely.

Then, just for a second, he looked at me.

But when our eyes met—he turned away. Like I wasn't even there.

It was frustrating. Painful.

Renz leaned in and whispered, "Calm down. Talk to Tamaro after the show."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep myself together.

When the show ended, we started heading back to the dressing room. I walked beside him, hoping for some kind of connection—but he moved closer to Stephen instead. I wanted to yell right then and there, but I held it in. I took a deep breath and shut my eyes.

Back at the dorm, the silence continued. He ignored me completely and went straight to our room without a glance.

"Go, talk to him," Stephen said, patting my back.

I nodded and followed. I walked into our room and locked the door.

He was unpacking his luggage, acting like I wasn't even there.

"Tamaro," I said.

No response.

"Tamaro Saito, what is your problem?" I raised my voice.

He turned and looked at me—his eyes sharp, locked in, serious. I felt my breath hitch.

He stood up and faced me with a cold expression.

"You, Akiro. You are my problem."

"What? Me?" I shouted, my voice cracking. "All this time, you were ignoring me. You didn't talk to me. You didn't even tell me you were going to China. You didn't say what you were doing in Cebu either."

My tears started to fall. Everything I'd been holding back, everything I'd carried alone—I let it out.

"I was losing my mind thinking about you every single day. When I found out you were in China and didn't even tell me, I was frustrated. I felt betrayed."

I faced him with all the pain and confusion that had built up since the day I saw him again.

"You know what your problem is?" he said, wiping his tears. "You couldn't wait. You didn't give me a chance to explain. You made an impulsive decision—and then you came to China with Jemuel and agreed to do a GCF with him."

He looked straight at me, voice trembling.

"Did you ever stop to think about how that would make me feel? Do you really believe I'd be okay seeing you spend that time with him?"

His words cut deep.

"I followed you," I shouted back, emotions pouring out. "I followed you—and yeah, maybe it was an impulsive decision. But I did it because I needed answers. Because you didn't tell me anything."

"Because I wanted to tell you everything when I got back to Manila," he said, voice trembling. "I endured a lot when I was in Cebu. You know my siblings are against our relationship. I didn't tell you because... I didn't want you to get hurt."

He paused, then continued with more weight in his tone.

"That's why I did everything I could to gain their approval. Akiro, do you think you're the only one hurting?" His eyes filled with tears. "I'm hurting too. I cried every night thinking about you. I held it all in. I endured everything. So why couldn't you trust me?"

I couldn't speak.

His words hit harder than I expected.

I felt selfish—for not seeing it, for assuming the worst. My chest tightened as guilt wrapped around everything else.

I sobbed quietly in front of him, unable to find the right words.

"And about the China trip with my family," he said, voice strained. "I was planning to tell you once we arrived. But then Mr. William told me you begged to follow me—and that you agreed to go with Jemuel and film a GCF."

He paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Why couldn't you wait until I got back to Manila?"

"I was with my family, Akiro. They're not just 'someone.' They're my family. Did you think I was with another person?" His voice cracked as he continued. "I was excited to tell you that my siblings finally accepted us. That's why I treated them to China. I was planning it as a surprise."

He sat down on the floor, hands shaking slightly, and broke down.

"Everything was ruined because of your impulsive decision."

I stood frozen, watching him cry.

And I felt guilty.

Deeply, painfully guilty.

"And because of that GCF, the ship war between Tamakiro and Jemkiro will begin," he said, voice shaking. "I just wish you had thought it through before deciding."

My knees gave out under the weight of it all. I knelt down in front of him and pulled him into a hug.

I cried with him.

"Roo, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," I whispered through the tears.

He looked at me gently, then reached up and wiped my cheeks.

"You know... when I saw you earlier, I wanted to run to you and hug you," he said, voice cracking. "I missed you so much. I'm sorry too, baby. I was angry because I know you'll get hurt for this. The hate might come your way."

Tears slid down his face.

And in that moment, I realized—I'd hurt him again. Without meaning to.

Without even knowing.

"I'm sorry, Roo. I'm really sorry," I said, crying into his shoulder as I held him tight.

"You know I can't stay mad at you for too long, baby," he replied softly. "Now stop crying... It hurts me the most to see you like this." He hugged me even tighter, and I wondered—how can someone be this kind?

"Roo... what should I do?" I asked, unsure of what came next.

"Don't worry, baby," he said. "I'll protect you. That's my promise, remember?"

I nodded slowly. I knew I had to face the consequences of my actions, whatever they may be.

"I love you so much, Roo," I whispered.

"I love you more, baby," he whispered, and kissed me gently on the lips.

I missed this.

His kiss.

His quiet warmth.

Everything about him.

He pulled me into his lap, our lips never parting. It wasn't rushed—it was a long, aching exchange where everything we hadn't said poured through touch.

His hand moved along my back, slipping beneath my shirt to feel the skin he knew so well. I leaned into him, fingers hooked around his neck, the way I always do when the world disappears and it's just us.

We were craving closeness, not out of need—but out of longing that had been building for too long.

He helped me out of my shirt, then removed his own, gently. When our bodies pressed together again, it was warm, familiar, and comforting—like we were finding our way home in each other.

"I missed you," I murmured against his mouth.

"I missed you more," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Every kiss after that felt like a promise.

We'd missed each other's touch, and for a moment, I forgot everything else that had happened.

Just as I was about to take off my pants, someone knocked on the door.

"Tamaro! Akiro! Come out now. Dinner's here," Renz shouted from the hallway.

We looked at each other and laughed.

We were thinking the same thing.

"Harly, Jemuel, Joshua, and now Renz," Roo said, still laughing. "I hope Stephen doesn't decide to interrupt next time."

I shook my head and stood up, then helped him to his feet.

"Fix yourself, baby," he teased while pulling on his shirt. "You look like we got caught making out backstage."

"Yeah, I almost did... with the person I love," I said, laughing with him.

"I love you, baby," he said and gave me a soft kiss.

"I love you more, Roo."

We were okay now.

But I knew the consequences were still ahead.

And I knew he'd face them with me.

-TAMARO-

Things were finally beginning to settle. After the misunderstanding, we realized that trust and communication were essential if we wanted our relationship to grow stronger.

But then the ship war began.

Jemkiro shippers started claiming their ship was real—fallout from the China trip. We were all aware of what was happening on social media, and honestly, it was affecting us. Both fandoms were at war. No one was backing down.

Jemuel felt uncomfortable with the pairing. He had agreed to the fanservice only to protect us—to help split the attention so it wouldn't focus solely on me and Roo.

It was frustrating. Really frustrating.

But the ship war won't stop us.

We've become bolder lately. I stopped caring about the company policies.

I couldn't help it—I was drawn to Akiro every time. I stood beside him in every show, every guesting, every moment we could share. Sweet glances, small touches—they became part of our routine, even if we knew the risks.

And as expected, after every event, we were pulled aside and scolded by the staff.

Now it's getting worse.

Media Patch is turning up the heat. They posted some of our photos online, hinting at the truth behind our closeness. The company's trying to negotiate, but Media Patch is infamous for blackmail tactics.

Their strategy is clear: provoke, threaten, expose.

We're caught in the middle.

Honestly, I don't care if Media Patch reveals our relationship—because it's the truth.

But I keep thinking about Akiro. He has a dream. A big one. He wants to become a global idol, and I don't want to be the reason that dream slips away.

If Media Patch confirms us... it won't just affect us—it'll affect the group.

Not everyone is ready to accept us, especially in countries where love like ours is still seen as a threat.

Right now, we're in the President's office.

We're discussing the article Media Patch is preparing—set to drop on the first day of January. It's their tradition. Every year, they expose a couple.

And this time... it might be us.

"Media Patch is blackmailing us," Mr. William said seriously. "They'll reveal your relationship if I don't accept their proposal."

"What do they want?" Renz asked, leaning forward.

"They're asking for full access to your activities. They want an exclusive partnership—to become the main source of everything you do."

"That's too much," Stephen said immediately.

Mr. William let out a slow breath. "I don't have any choice. I need to protect all of you—especially these two." He pointed at me and Akiro.

"Media Patch is getting serious this time," he added, voice heavy with frustration.

None of us spoke. I just reached under the table and held Akiro's hand. His palm was cold. He was anxious, barely blinking.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

He didn't respond with words. Just a soft smile and a quiet pat on my shoulder.

Even in the middle of all this, he was still trying to reassure me.

"It's okay," Mr. William said, his voice firm but gentle. "I've always told you—you're all my sons. I'll keep you safe. Protected."

He looked at each of us, one by one.

I felt a wave of guilt.

He's always shielded us. Always taken the hit so we wouldn't have to.

His final decision was to accept the business proposal from Media Patch.

We all knew what that meant.

They wouldn't reveal our relationship.

Not now. Not yet.

For the first time in days, there was a sense of relief.

But beneath it, I still felt the weight of everything he'd had to compromise—just to keep us together.

Things started to feel normal again. We were busy filming our Variety Show, appearing on TV shows, and attending award ceremonies.

At the Music Awards, we did our promise handshake—something that's always been ours. We were just being ourselves in front of the cameras, sticking to what felt natural.

But homophobic fans started speaking up online, accusing us of staging fanservice.

They didn't understand.

They didn't know that what they were criticizing was simply how we've always been with each other.

We celebrated my birthday in the dorm, just like we always do.

Candles on the cake, a few laughs, nothing extravagant—but it felt right.

Akiro handed me a small box while the others cleaned up quietly.

"Happy birthday, Roo," he said, pressing a light kiss to my lips.

"Thank you, baby... What is this?" I asked, curious.

"A gift. Open it," he said, scratching his nape. That little gesture—he's always cute when he gets shy.

I grinned. "Oh really? Thank you," I said, and opened it.

Inside were two rings.

My eyes widened. Before I could speak, he reached in, pulled one out, and gently slid it onto my ring finger.

"This couple ring... it's a symbol of our love, Tamaro," he said softly. "It means you're mine, and I'm yours."

I hugged him tight, heart full.

"Thank you, baby. I love you."

"I love you more, Roo," he said, then kissed me on the lips.

This birthday... it's one of the happiest I've ever had.

And I hope this happiness doesn't fade.

January is approaching, and so far, Media Patch has kept its word—not exposing us.

Everything feels like it's slowly falling into place. And because of that, I've stopped holding back. I show my love for Akiro openly in small ways—little hints, quiet affirmations. I'll say things like "I like him" during interviews, not hiding the warmth behind my words.

Even Jimin throws in comments that playfully give us away.

And the members?

They've always been our biggest supporters.

We were at the Asia Music Awards, standing on stage to receive the award.

Akiro stepped forward to give the speech, and Renz quietly signaled for me to stand beside him.

He smiled at us.

He knew. Everyone did.

They understood that I was the one who could steady Akiro—ease his nerves and help him breathe when the pressure felt too heavy.

After the show, it was time for the group photo. Again, Renz placed us side by side. No words were needed.

I knew what it meant.

They wanted us together.

It was their quiet gift—for what tomorrow would bring.

Our second anniversary.

I had already planned everything.

And I wanted it to be special.

Early morning, we woke up early and had breakfast together.

I had something planned for later—a surprise for him.

After we ate, we returned to our room. I sat in the chair when he walked over, casually and with a quiet smile.

He sat on my lap and kissed me softly.

This was normal for us.

When we're alone, we never miss the chance to kiss, to be close, to hold each other.

We were in the middle of kissing when the door suddenly opened.

Out of instinct and shock, I pushed Akiro away—and he hit the floor hard.

The pain on his face was instant. I panicked.

I couldn't even focus on who had entered. My attention was locked on him, worried and full of regret.

As I reached out to help him stand, both of us turned toward the door.

"Stephen!!?" we both shouted at the same time, startled by his sudden appearance.

He stood in the doorway, expression unreadable, classic poker face.

"What? Why are you on the floor, Akiro?" he asked seriously.

"Ahh... I slipped my toes," Akiro replied quickly as I helped him up.

"Ohhh, you slipped your toes," Stephen repeated, clearly mocking us.

Yeah—he definitely saw us kissing.

"By the way, bro, do you need anything?" I asked, trying to shift the mood.

"Nothing," he replied. "You left the door open. I came in to wish you a happy anniversary... but I guess I interrupted something."

"Thank you, bro," Akiro said, scratching his nape, flustered.

Stephen turned to leave, then paused at the door.

"Next time, close it. And lock it."

He walked out.

Akiro and I looked at each other and smiled.

"I'll make sure no one interrupts next time," I said, pulling him onto the bed and kissing him again.

I'm excited for our date later.

I think I'm ready.

Because this... this is going to be something we'll never forget.

-Tamaro-

January is the month I've looked forward to the most.

Today marks our second anniversary as a couple.

All the surprises I've planned for Akiro are ready.

After two years of being together, this is the first time we're celebrating our anniversary openly.

We're in the dorm today, and luckily, we don't have any work. That gives us the time to celebrate without pressure.

I chose the Grand Hyatt Manila for our anniversary date.

I actually booked the room last month—it's an exclusive hotel, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

I've already paid for our buffet dinner and made sure every detail is settled.

Now, all that's missing is us.

Tonight, we'll be spending the night together at the hotel.

It was just the two of us in the kitchen.

The others were still sleeping, and morning light spilled in quietly as Akiro made sandwiches for breakfast.

I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Happy anniversary, baby. I love you," I said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Happy anniversary, Roo. I love you more," he replied, turning his head for a soft kiss on my lips.

"Baby, let's go out later. Let's stroll," I whispered.

"All right," he said, a small smile forming. "What time?"

"Hmm... around 6 p.m."

"Okay."

He went back to preparing our breakfast, calm and steady.

In the evening, we told the others we were going out.

They knew it was our anniversary, so they didn't ask questions—they just smiled and let us go.

Akiro brought his camera.

While we were in the car, he started recording a GCF.

He's been quietly collecting footage—memories of us, tucked away in his files.

"Tamaro, where are we heading?" he asked, surprised as we neared the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

"There," I said with a smile. "I booked a room so we can celebrate."

"Roo... that's the Grand Hyatt. An exclusive hotel. How did you book there without anyone knowing?"

"Baby, I have my ways," I replied, reaching over to hold his hand.

When we entered the lobby, I saw pure happiness on his face.

It was the kind of smile that made all my planning worth it.

We went straight to the receptionist to confirm the booking.

Once everything was settled, we headed to the hotel restaurant for the buffet dinner.

It was crowded—families, couples, and guests from different places filled the room.

I was almost certain someone would recognize us, and eventually spread the word that we were here.

We found our table and sat down.

Akiro immediately pulled out his camera.

As always, I became the main subject of his GCF footage—his quiet way of preserving memories.

While he was focused on recording, a hotel staff member approached us.

"Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry, but recording videos isn't allowed here," the staff member said respectfully.

"This video is just for me," Akiro replied with a smile. "Don't worry, I won't post it publicly."

The staff gave a small nod and stepped away.

"Roo, thank you," Akiro said, still smiling behind the camera.

"Everything for you, baby," I answered.

While we were talking, a woman approached, visibly emotional.

"Excuse me," she said, voice shaky. "I'm your fan. I'm an Army."

She looked like she was about to cry, and we both smiled gently at her.

"Hi," we greeted in unison.

"Can I ask for your autograph? I've been your fan since your debut. I couldn't miss this chance. I'm sorry if I'm intruding," she said, tears spilling down.

"Hey, no need to cry," Akiro said, taking the paper and pen from her. "We'll sign it—just breathe, okay?"

After he signed, I took one of the papers and added my signature.

"Thank you for being an Army," I said with a smile, handing her the paper.

"Thank you so much," she replied, holding it close. "I'll treasure this moment forever."

She waved goodbye, and we watched her walk away—quietly thankful for this unexpected memory.

We both enjoyed the dinner.

For once, we didn't think about what might happen if the company found out.

Whatever punishment they decide to give, we'll accept it.

We're used to being scolded. Used to being told to tone it down.

But we don't blame them.

Not really.

We know the company's trying to protect us—from the backlash, from the homophobic crowd that still finds a way into every comment section, every stage.

This kind of love... it comes with risk.

And still, we choose it.

After dinner, we headed to our hotel room.

I had booked the VIP room for tonight, and as soon as we stepped inside, we were stunned. The space was large, luxurious, and beautifully lit—the kind of place that made the night feel like something out of a film.

Akiro was still recording, his camera focused on every detail.

He moved around the room, smiling, capturing little moments of me walking, reacting, laughing.

My baby was genuinely happy.

I walked over and gently took the camera from his hands.

Then I held his face and kissed his forehead.

"Baby, I hope I made you happy today," I said, looking at him.

"You made me so happy today," he replied with a smile.

We stood in front of the glass wall, facing the wide view of Manila Bay.

I wrapped my arms around him from behind, both of us quietly watching the ocean.

"Baby, from now on, every time I see that bay... I'll remember this day," I said.

"Me too," he replied. "This day is really special for us, Roo. I hope our relationship lasts."

"I promise you, baby—you'll be my last and my first love," I said, gently turning him to face me.

"I love you, Roo. Thank you for staying by my side."

"Baby... I should be the one saying thank you. Because you accepted me for who I am."

"I love you, Roo. Happy anniversary."

"I love you more, baby. Happy anniversary."

And we sealed it with a kiss, standing in front of the ocean view—just us, in this moment.

We felt so much happiness in this moment.

Everything happening around us felt surreal.

We spent one of our most precious nights here at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

This room became a silent witness to the love we share—to every kiss, every promise, every quiet reassurance.

We both know that after this, new trials will come.

They always do.

But we're ready to face them—together.

And I hope we'll be strong enough to overcome each one.