Alex's POV

I shifted my weight to get a better look and gasped as I saw Mark standing in front of us.

I tried to disguise the issue with a puzzled smile, but I couldn’t stop myself from stammering. 

“How did you end up here?”

“I was looking for utility men to assist us with the event organizing. So, I came here and I didn’t expect you to be here.” I tried to mask his mistrust with a smile.

He scratched the bridge of his nose. “Can you tell me what you were doing inside the room? What’s the deal with these uniforms?” 

I looked at Chen, who appeared pale and uncomfortable. 

What should I say? 

Should I mention that I accidentally swallowed and drooled when I noticed Chen’s toned body? 

Or should I say a strange university student who has been chasing me and pulling this moron into the room with me? 

I gulped and cleared my throat. “Well, we’re going to—”

“Alex and I are planning something, Mark,” Chen interrupted casually, his hands digging into the jumpsuit’s pockets.

Mark grinned from ear to ear as he heard what he said. “What are you planning, Chen?”

While waiting for his explanation, I tightened my hands. What was he going to say next?

“It’s a duet,” Chen gave me a phony smile and said, “We’ll sing together.”

Was this a duet? He wrapped his hand around me to make matters worse and to prove his alibi. He was trembling, but he was attempting to conceal it. I had to keep the performance going, as much as I wanted to dodge his arm.

“Wow, that’s fantastic. But, Chen, that’s quite a shocking suggestion. Are you aware of how violent your supporters are?” Mark grabbed his phone and dialed the idiot’s number, excited by his idea. His mistrust remained on his face, he resumed the call.

I approached, hoping to thwart Chen’s plan, but Chen choked me to keep me from approaching Mark too closely.

“Are you sure you don’t have to go along with his idea, Mark?” 

“It’s a risky plan. You are not required to incur such risks for the event,” Mark explained and when he was about to continue, his phone rang. “Excuse me.”

“It’s alright, Mark. Go on,” I gestured to take care of his business. While he was on the phone, I tried to push Chen away from me. 

While I grimaced, that bastard was smirking in response as if everything is funny to him.

“Bye,” Mark hung up the phone and returned his focus to us, who were arguing. “So, with this bromance stuff, what good does it do us?” he gestured after he placed his phone in his pocket. While waiting for us to reply, his smile went wider.

“This is going to make you a lot of money. Imagine the fans becoming interested in us and the outcome of this event. What do you think of ‘A special performance by The Painkillers’ Alex Yoon and DBXQ’s Chen Lau,’ which you may print on posters?” Chen offered.

“Mark, don’t pay attention to this guy. You are not obligated to follow this advice. Forget about it,” I said. I don’t want there to be any more violence at the school because of us. The joint concert is perilous on its own. What about the duet?

Mark touched the tip of his nose with his finger while maintaining eye contact with Chen. He appears dissatisfied with the suggestion. He almost pinched his face and puckered his lips, his brows wrinkled. He put his hand on his waist and turned away from us, facing down and up in the sky.

He cleared his throat after a minute or two. “You know, bromance is a thing these days. Great. I’ll inform the student council of this. This is a fantastic idea, and I’m sure they’ll adore it. Guys, you did a fantastic job!” He let out a broad smile reaching both ears, in stark contrast to his previous facial expression.

What? Is that what I heard? Is he considering the idiot’s advice?

“Wait, did you just say bromance?” I demanded a detailed explanation for his decision. He smiled and nodded. “However, I assumed you were considering the duet.”

“Well, that as well,” he remarked as he walked away to take another phone call.

This would never be beneficial in any way. Never. So, what should I do now? Should I give up? Should I inform Justin that I’m quitting? Should I inquire of Henry? Or…

“Seems like you can’t find any escape this time,” Chen sighed in a quiet but deep-toned voice as he wrapped his arm around my neck. Despite my attempts to push him away, he continued to grasp me.

“Guys. This strategy you presented to the student council entails numerous dangers, but I believe we can manage them. Justin assured me that he’ll work with Jun from DBXQ to handle the supporters so that there’s no violence at the show. This is an incredible idea.” Mark gave us an unexpected thumbs up. “By the way, the two of you are required to be at the office tomorrow.” 

When he turned to return, he flicked his two fingers, leaving the two of us alone.

Please, God, bury me alive right now. This isn’t a good situation.

I spun around to find Chen with a threatening grimace on his face. I scowled at him and went away. He trailed following, digging his hands into the pockets of the jumpsuit.

He grabbed my hand and dragged me outside the university when we arrived at the main hall. 

Fans shouted, shrieked, and chanted our names in their classrooms, oblivious to the bromance going on. 

Chen, the arrogant young man, pivoted his body and smiled as he waved his hand—without releasing my hand. With a false smile, I did the same. His firm hold bothered me.

We approached his car, which was parked a few blocks away from the main gate, without letting go of my hand. Chen unlocked the door by pressing the key. 

He opened the door and yelled, “hop in,” just as he walked into his car.

I rolled my eyes and fixed my gaze on him. “Where in the hell would you take me?”

“Home.”

I let out a snort. “What makes you want to take me to your house?”

“Just jump right in.” He exhaled deeply and sighed. “Don’t be concerned. I’m not going to do anything foolish to you. Besides, I owe you a debt that needs to be paid.”

My brows drew together. “Wait, what did I do? I’m sorry, but I haven’t—”

“Just jump right in. You are squandering my time.” 

As he ran around the hood to open the driver’s door, he forced me into the passenger seat and closed the door.

Chen took a seat and fastened his seatbelt. He leaned in too close and cocked his head to buckle my seat belt. He smirked and peered at me from a close distance before pulling himself away from me.

“Get off of me, moron.” I snarled.

After teasing, he burst out laughing. He leaned against the leather chair’s back and started the car, driving away to his house.