His Jacket

Synn's POV

"Synn, make sure to be back in an hour, okay? Or head straight to the dressing room where we'll transfer," I heard our manager stated which I just returned with a cheeky smile.

"Okay, manager, I love you!" I exclaimed, the natural sweetness in my voice, as what they always say, coming out making her laugh a little.

"I swear to God if you aren't so adorable I won't even allow you to go out. You are about to perform in less than two hours," she shook her head as she turned her attention back to my other members who are all sitting still while they get their face dolled up.

"Hey, Synncinati Richards, don't go around making some trouble, okay?" I heard Snow screaming which I responded with a loud giggle before finally going out of the room.

With a black cap and face mask, I swiftly strode around the vicinity trying to hide myself and blend in with the staff who usually go around the area. It's common for a staff of every company to also wear a mask as long as you're wearing an id for the distinction which I am.

Some of our staffs let me borrow their id as I usually do this before awards. I roam around the area and watch people as they do their kinds of stuff.

It's not something I just do for fun but it kind of helps me calm down. I got too much energy inside me like it's about to burst, I need something to keep everything intact. Honestly, it was Aki who suggested that I do after I accidentally broke one of the makeup kit inside our dressing room as I try to calm my nerves. Now, it becomes a habit.

Even my boss told me it's fine as long as I make sure to be safe.

At first, I just roam around the place wasting a little time as I try to get fresh air. Until I started paying attention to my surroundings and even mingle with a few people too.

I watch our fans and even the fans of other stars. I listen to their cute and adorable conversations and even found myself watching when some gets into a little fight.

As much as I wanted to stop them, to tell them how thankful we are that they support us, we'll all get into a lot of trouble if I reveal myself.

Of course, there were moments when a fan somehow recognizes me but I make sure not to linger too much until fact hit them straight to the face.

I've seen a lot of secrets too, some that I will make sure to keep to myself. My fingers probably weren't enough if I'd to count the number I saw idols secretly meeting.

If I open my mouth or it gets slipped, I'd pretty much ruin a lot of idol's career.

But I won't. It's their life. They date secretly because they will be condemned and judged by the harsh society. And who am I to do that to them?

It's not rare that some fans turn their backs on their idols once they date. And I hate that. As a member of ROY4L, a four-member girl group, living a comfortable life wasn't easy.

Why can't one love without being restricted? But I chose this. I chose this dream so I have to deal with it. Things won't be different just because I am starting to act like a whiny bitch. What I should be, is a grateful idol who's lucky to find some people to love me even with my imperfections.

Those thoughts are what I always put in mind, that even though there are things that are painful, that is hurting, that I don't want to see, I shut my mouth - we shut our mouths.

There are moments when I felt apologetic not only to my members but to other idols as well when they get bashed because of me. And I know they feel the same too.

I and the girls had talked about it. Sometimes, you can't help but feel hurt when you read mean comments directed to your members and that's because the said fan loves you. And they feel the same if it's their fan and I get to be the receiving end of the hate.

It hurts that sometimes, we feel awkward with each other because of it. We love each other, treat everyone as a sister. But we also love our fans and we're thankful. Besides, not all fans are like that. And almost every fandom has this problem.

Liking only one artists form one group is fine but I hope nobody gets hurt at the expense of loving only one person. I just wish a day will come that nobody will ever get hurt.

But that's impossible, isn't it?

Turning into a corner, I noticed that there are too many people in the hallway and a few reporters too. Without hesitating, I pushed the door towards the fire exit.

It wasn't two steps when I heard the sound of two people talking.

"Didn't I tell you not to talk with him?" I heard the voice of a guy.

I stopped from my tracks, my body stiffened a little. The guy's voice sounded harsh and I wasn't sure if I like it.

His voice sounded familiar though...

"Are you really going to ignore everything I tell you? ," I heard him again and I didn't know if it was curiosity that whispered within me but I started walking once again, my steps lighter, careful enough not to make any sound.

"Gold, we've talked about this,"

I stopped once again when I heard the girl talk.

No doubt, it was her.

And did she say Gold? Like Gold from PERSONA? If he's who I think he is, he's one famous senior in the industry. He's so famous almost everyone alive probably knows his name. They won multiple awards from prestigious awarding bodies, had broken multiple world records and has like, half of the population of the whole world as their fans. He's untouchable.

"And we aren't finished talking too. I told you not to talk to him and you will do that," his voice was stern it's actually scary.

But what she said next is even scarier. I'm not sure if I should feel bad for Gold or what.

"I won't stop talking to him just because you told me to. I'm over you and we're over so stop calling me out like this. You're wasting my time," she said and I gulped when I heard the sound of her heels fading as she marched her way out.

Once the door closed, I was startled when I heard the sound of the door getting hit.

I bit my lower lip. That must have hurt. Looking at the situation, it looks like they just broke up, or maybe they just had a fight.

But why does it feel like he was begging rather than being angry?

Synn, it's not your place to be here. Get out.

Just as I was about to turn, I miscalculated my step causing me to be outbalanced, a loud yelp escaping on my lips. Thank God I was able to take a hold of the hand rails.

A relieved sigh escaped my lips, only to be replaced by fear when I heard his voice.

"Who's there?"

I heard Gold's voice and before I can even hide, he was quick enough to jump double steps on the stairs until I was face to face with him.

My eyes widened, his face looking so serious.

He looked so pissed off, he's not even wearing a mask.

He was looking at me intently, his stares too strong I feel like I'm about to get burn.

Slowly, he moved forward, his hand reaching for my mask.

"Wow, the rookie had been snooping around," he snickered and I felt my cheeks burned red in embarrassment. Why did I have to stay right here where he can find me?

"I didn't see anything sir," I whispered out of nervousness, my voice even cracking a little, in fear of what he would do. Based on their conversation, he seems a little scary and that caught me off-guard a little because his image to the public so far from what I just saw.

"Really?" The smirk in his face tells me he believes otherwise.

He moved forward making me step back in instinct. And we did that until my back was leaning on the wall, his hand now pressed on my side making it hard for me to escape.

"What is the famous Synncinati doing here in disguise? Are you out to meet someone too?" he whispered, his face too close to my liking, it's starting to scare me even more. He looks very intimidating yet I can't seem to stop myself from staring.

"I-ahmmm," I gulped. He was looking at me intently; I feel my knees getting weak for a moment.

"I was just looking around," I whispered, avoiding his gaze.

He was silent for a moment, until I heard him sigh.

"You didn't see me here. You didn't hear anything. One word, lady. Just one word and you wouldn't like what I'll do to you..." the smug look on his face tells me he's not joking.

Damn. How can someone be this intimidating yet so adorable and puppy-like when he is in front of his fans?

My eyes caught how his eyes landed on my lips. For a moment, I thought I was a hallucinating but he sure looked a little distracted before he turned his back on me.

What was that?

He was already walking down the stairs when I noticed his hand, a bruise visible.

I didn't know why but I felt bad for him. It was obvious that he's into the girl more than the girl was into him. But who am I to judge?

Before I can even stop myself, I called his name and he stopped walking. He turned around and I felt my throat getting dry. He was looking at me, curious at why I called him and I don't know if I should regret it or not.

Whatever.

"Your hand sir, make sure to have it checked. Your fans will definitely notice," I told him and he looked at his hands for a moment, his eyes not showing any emotion.

He shrugged his shoulder and I watch as he turned his back once again, not even saying anything. It's like he never heard a word from what I said.

Once he was out of sight, a long sigh escaped my lips, my hands on my chest as I feel the rapid beating inside it.

That was some rendezvous, Synncinati.

Gold, it wasn't noticeable but when he was staring at me, I saw the sad look in his eyes. He may have sounded like he was strong; but the façade he was showing on his exterior cannot hide his true feelings.

He must have really like her.

Stop thinking about it.

"Let's get back to work," I whispered to myself. Slowly, I made my way out of the fire exit to get back to our dressing room. I had too much of my escapade, I feel like I won't be doing this again for the time being.

I wasn't sure I'm looking forward to seeing him anytime soon too.

Synn's POV

"Hey, Synncinati! We have been waiting for you since ten minutes ago," I heard my manager's voice and my eyes noticed how almost everyone was looking at our direction, my other members in particular not looking too happy about my late arrival.

In no time, our makeup artist is already starting to doll up my face too. At the corner of my eyes, I saw Elisse sitting beside me.

"Hey, are you okay? You look shaken up a little when you came back. Did you get caught?" she whispered, the worry in her voice can be heard.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. As usual, Elisse would notice. It's no surprise since Elisse is always attentive and caring towards us.

She sees the smallest things and pays attention to every detail.

Remembering what happened earlier, I felt my stomach churning in nervousness. Even though he's not here, I kind of feel a little intimidated still.

His presence was too strong I can't simply shake it off my mind.

To be honest, it was the first time that we've spoken with each other. Of course, I've seen him multiple times as we attend the same awards sometimes but that's just it. It's not like we have a reason to talk anyways. We don't work in the same agency nor are we friends with each other.

However, I'm pretty much reminded of him every day. Why not? When half of my fans ship me to him.

At first, I was bothered by it. What if he hates being shipped with me? Plus, sometimes, the edits that I see online are too disturbing. Some of them looked so real sometimes I have to question myself if it indeed happened.

But it's impossible. Gold and I, it's impossible for us to cross paths.

Until earlier.

"How I wish I was just caught instead," I whispered. My voice low to make sure she doesn't hear.

Just then, the sound of someone knocking on the door was heard and an unfamiliar face showed.

"Sorry, we just left a few of our outfits here when we transferred to the next dressing room. I'll just take it, I'm sorry," the lady smiled and so our manager.

She started taking the stack of clothes on the corner and a few more that are scattered around.

Those are for men though.

Shrugging my shoulder, I stopped paying attention after my makeup artist asked me to close my eyes so I followed.

Forget what happened, Synn. You won't be talking to him in the future anyway.

My hands took a grip on the chair I was sitting on.

Damn. It has been what, ten minutes but my knees are still shaking.

His presence was too overwhelming it amazes me how he appears so soft in photos especially when he's with his fans. I can't question it though since even I get my heart melted whenever I see people who love and supports us.

His eyes, he was definitely lonely. He seems heartbroken.

Remembering the expression that he had on his face made my heart skipped a beat, my hand automatically reaching for my chest.

What the hell...

I gulped. I can't possibly like him, right?

Impossible.

I gritted my teeth in frustration.

You were just sad for him. You pity him. Because he was hurt and he seemed lost. And your heart is weak for that. Right. I told to myself.

Soon enough, our makeup artist has done her job and all I need to do is to change which I will in a little over ten minutes since my other members are still changing.

I reached for my phone and scanned the messages that I had.

One is from my mom, the other from my dad. A few of them were from my friends and each of them I responded.

"Synn, look at these," Arika called for my name as she showed me a gif of a cute little baby.

"Ahhh, she looks so cute," I cooed, my other members, joining while a few of our makeup artists followed as they do finishing touches on their hair.

"It's my cousin. Doesn't she look so adorable?" she giggled, her gummy smile showing. The same one that kills the hearts of our fans.

"Hey, do you want to have a baby now too?" I teased and she hit me on my shoulder, Elisse and Snow giggling.

"She can't even find herself a boyfriend,"

"Or a suitor," Elisse added at what Snow had stated.

Apparently, there are a lot of people having a crush on Arika but her personality was too strong that some guys were afraid to reach out to her.

In all honesty, that is true. Arika has an intimidating personality when performing but they fail to see how clumsy and soft she actually is.

After wearing my outfit minus my jacket, we were all just having fun while we watch out fellow idols perform through the monitor inside our dressing room.

"Guys, we need to move backstage so you can wear your mics. Your other outfits were also there," One of our managers stated and we were all still giggling as we follow our staff outside.

"Synn, did you find anything interesting outside?" I heard Snow asking. The image of Gold automatically comes into view and I was about to answer when I bumped into someone.

"Careful," I heard a very familiar voice and my body stiffened as I turned towards his direction.

Gold Simons.

Fuck.

He was smiling but something tells me it meant something else. Like, he was reminding me to shut my mouth.

"We're sorry, Synn," I heard Eros, his fellow member, and we bowed automatically. The sudden meeting surprising me a little. Even our members were not talking. We have never really had a moment with them, apart from me who happened to, unfortunately, bumped into PERSONA's youngest member.

"We're so sorry, sunbae," Snow spoke on my behalf as I felt my tongue got stuck on my lungs or something. (Sunbae is a word they use as a respect to someone who was in the industry longer than them)

Eros smiled at us while Gold was looking at me, his eyebrow raised a little and I gulped.

I didn't even know how we parted ways but all I know was I was stiffed the whole time.

"Synn, are you okay?" Our manager asked while they put our mics on.

I shook my fingers to calm my nerves and I breathe a little before smiling.

"Yes, manager. Must be the nerves," I added and she smiled.

Synn, get yourself together.

"Okay, the last performer is done and you are now being introduced. Be ready!" one of the staff stated and we started rumbling to prepare.

"Wear your jackets, Synn and Arika!" our stylist stated and I reached for the folded jacket that I was supposed to wear on the corner.

Elisse was talking to me as I wear my jacket.

"Shoot," my voice faltered the moment the jacket hugged my whole figure, it being twice my body size made every one of my members' scream in panic.

"Synncinati where is your jacket?"

"That definitely isn't yours!"

"Oh my God, Synn!"

Before I can even respond, the production manager came in eyeing every one of us warily.

"Girls, you need to go to the stage in one minute,"

"Fuck," I whispered as I felt a few pairs of hands pushing us so we can go to the stage.

There's no turning back.

The next moment, the sound of our fans cheering boomed the whole arena and I put my signature smile.

I didn't notice how my three members looked taken aback at the sight of me from behind.

I didn't notice how our managers were freaking out behind the stage.

I didn't know that another team's whole crew was having a mental breakdown because of the sudden situation.

And I didn't know that a certain man was fuming in anger at the sight of me on their team's monitor as they watch our group perform.

The jacket I was wearing, what it says...

I didn't know...

Synn's POV

"Synn, how did it went?" I heard Snow asked as I arrived inside our dorm after my manager dropped me off.

We even had a hard time going out of the building because there were a lot of fans camping outside of the office.

Elisse and Arika were standing behind Snow, eager to hear my answer, their dogs circling around them.

Slowly, I walked straight to the couch and let out a long sigh.

"Is it that bad?" Arika asked.

Elisse sat beside me, her hands on top of mine.

"It wasn't your fault, okay," she mouthed and I smiled at her encouraging words. But the truth is, it was partly my fault.

I should have checked too. It was supposed to be my outfit after all.

The meeting with our company's CEO didn't go quite well. Our makeup artists, stylists and managers were all scolded. And even though he did not indirectly call me out, I feel so apologetic for being careless too.

Additionally, the press going wild about this news made everything even more complicated.

"Stop checking the articles Synn. It won't do you any good," Arika told me as I continue to scan my phone. The messages that I received was even more than the usual messages I get for the whole month.

Being an international singer is not an easy job. Everything that we do is being watched, every wrong word, every wrong post, every wrong move, all of them creates an issue that affects not only me but a lot of people. And the world that I am in, fans are possessive.

My Mom and Dad did not message me though partly because they know I would tell them if I'm dating someone. My parents, they won't meddle with anything about my life unless they have too - that, I am so thankful for.

That's right. I'm practically rumored to be dating PERSONA's youngest member now after I performed on the crowd wearing his jacket, a jacket that I never even knew he owns.

After both of our companies had talked, we realized that our jacket was switched unintentionally when we transferred rooms. The color and design were apparently the same and it was accidentally exchanged. It was folded initially and maybe because it was extra chaotic that we have to switch places and all, the mishap happened which I can't even put the blame to someone specifically.

Since PERSONA will be performing last, they didn't notice that the jacket has been switched too not until I appeared on the stage. I heard Gold doesn't usually wear his jacket inside their dressing room because he works out, according to what one of our managers heard.

My members can't tell me to remove the jacket on stage because I was only wearing a glittery tube inside. I mean, I can probably pull it off but it will be a little uncomfortable and nobody would want to have a wardrobe malfunction with that.

It was only four letters and everything was a mess. GOLD, that's all it has at the back. But the fact that his members have the same jacket in different colors gave everything away.

Apparently, Eros and Chase were already seen by the fans wearing their jackets so even though PERSONA changed their performance outfits the last minute to do damage control, it was pointless.

In the end, both our faces were plastered across all social media sites with fans demanding an explanation.

Shippers were celebrating but above all, I get most of the hate. In our industry, the girl always gets most of the hate so it's something that is not new to me now.

More importantly, I have upset both of our fans and our members. Imagine dragging their names with mine?

To add to that, our fandom isn't as intact in particular. We can't persuade our fans to like us all. As unfortunate as it sounds, almost every fandom has this problem and we the saddest thing is, we can't do anything about it. Regardless of what we do and didn't do, some people will love us and some won't. That's one of the downsides of being an idol.

What I am scared now is that my members would be affected. We're supposed to have a schedule tomorrow but I heard there are some arrangements that they will need to discuss so it has been postponed. And I knew it was because of last night's incident.

"Synncinati!" I was startled when I heard Snow, my eyes leaving my phone. And that's when I realized that my members were all looking at me intently.

They looked at me in worry, a sincere expression showing in their face.

My members, they are the closest thing I have to family. Actually, scratch that. They are my family.

A long sigh escaped my lips.

"I'm sorry, it's just," my shoulder dropped in frustration, "I know this will affect you guys too. It's just so annoying I have to deal with this issue. The last thing I wanted is to be associated with that person and it just has to be him?"

Elisse raised her eyebrow and I noticed how Arika's lips is twitching upwards.

Shit. I probably shouldn't have said that, right? Now my members will think that something is going on.

"Synncinati Richards..." Snow called for my name. And her calling me in my full name isn't always a good thing.

I gulped.

Before they can even ask me a question, the sound of my phone ringing broke the silence.

Fumbling with my phone, I immediately answered the call. It was my manager.

"Manager!" I answered, glad to be saved from the impending doom I was about to experience with my members.

"Synn..."

The smile showing on my face immediately getting erased at the sound of her heavy voice.

"What's the problem?" my voice shaking a little, the beating of my heart increasing too.

I heard her sigh from the other line and my heart clenched in pain.

Please, no.

"I just want to bid you a farewell. We won't be seeing each other anytime soon..." she stated and I knew just what it meant.

"Manager Yana what happened?" I asked in worry. I knew something was wrong. She won't be acting like this if there isn't.

And then she started crying. I saw my members moving forward in worry too.

"Both companies agreed to let the ones involve be held responsible. I'm sorry we made this mess Synn. I hope we can see each other soon. Take care for me, okay?" she whispered before dropping the call.

"I- Yana... " my voice hangs midway, unable to continue what I want to say.

She's my personal manager and she's been with me for like three years now. She's not usually shown to people because we also have a guy manager but I'm close to her the most.

"Synn..." Elisse called for my name in worry but I was just there, sitting confused.

"Why?" I asked, my voice shaking. "Why do they have to take sole responsibility for something that is my fault too?" I asked. Arika moves forward and engulfed me for a hug and then the rest also did.

We were like that for some minute until I excuse myself and headed straight to my room.

Lying flat on my bed, my eyes focused on the ceiling.

"It's unfair..." I whispered.

Gold, why do I have to suffer because of you?

Without second thoughts, I reached for my phone and dialed a number. Each ring made my heart pound in nervousness too.

"Yow, Synn!" I heard Alex's voice on the other line, his cheerful demeanor not getting past my ears.

"Lex, your turn!" I heard someone speaking but Alex didn't respond.

"Sorry, did I catch you at a bad time?" I asked and he chuckled, like always, everything seems always fun for him. Sometimes I envy how happy-go-lucky he can get.

"Don't mind them. What's up? You don't normally call me," he asked and it's my turn to laugh. It took me by surprise a bit and felt a little embarrassed too. Do I really just call him whenever I needed something?

My cheeks were probably red but it doesn't matter. He cannot see me anyways. Besides, this is Alex. I shouldn't feel shy with my childhood friend.

"Well, I need a little favor. You think you can give your friend's number?" I gulped. I know Alex wouldn't question what I was doing but I still feel kind of embarrassed.

"Who, Gold?" he asked chuckling and my cheeks turned red even though he can't see me.

Of course, he heard about it too. In fact, he was also at the same venue last night.

"Well today is your lucky day my friend," he answered and my brows furrowed.

Don't tell me...

"Coz I got him right here,"

"Wha-" before I can even finish, I heard the sound of grumbling from the other line.

After a few minutes, my breath hitches at the sound of that familiar voice, the rapid increase of my heart beating almost deafening my ears.

"So....what does the sneaky Synncinati need from me?" his voice raspy and I feel like he's drunk a little. I don't know why but his voice sends shivers down my spine.

"Fuc-" my eyes widened, stopping midway.

Shit! Shit! Synn. I covered my mouth in shock at what I was about to say.

He was silent for a minute until I heard him speak, this time, amusement can be heard in his voice.

"Tell me the time and place, cupcake. That can be arranged,"

Holy shit.