Part 4: Hidden Notes

Title: Debuting Into Love

Part 4: Hidden Notes

The debut of Eclipse shook the industry.

Clips of the performance trended across platforms in three languages. International fans couldn’t stop talking about the flawless synchronization, the captivating stage presence… and the unexpected chemistry between BamBam and Hu Yetao.

Some fans even gave them a ship name: "BamTao."

Cute edits, theories, fancams—it all flooded the internet within hours.

But the industry wasn’t always as forgiving as the fans.

One Week Later: Inside the Company Office

The mood was different now.

BamBam sat across from a polished executive who smiled like he was handing over candy while taking away air.

“There’s talk,” the man said. “Too much focus on the… closeness between you and Yetao.”

BamBam leaned back, arms crossed. “You mean the duet section? It’s choreography.”

“It’s not just the dance. It’s the energy. We want the group to shine, not a couple rumor. Be mindful.”

Behind the words, BamBam heard the warning: You’re a product. Don’t be human. Don’t love.

He left the office with a tight jaw, walking straight to the practice room where Yetao was stretching alone.

“Did they talk to you?” BamBam asked.

Yetao looked up, lips tight. “Yeah.”

Silence.

“Are we really that obvious?” Yetao asked quietly.

BamBam smirked sadly. “Only to people who know what real connection looks like.”

They stood in the middle of the empty dance floor, the mirrors reflecting two people carrying too much for their age, too much for their roles.

“We can pull back in public,” Yetao offered. “I don’t want your career getting hurt.”

BamBam shook his head slowly. “You are part of my career now. Whatever happens, I’d rather deal with it than erase what this is.”

Yetao stepped forward, close enough for their foreheads to rest together again. “Okay,” he whispered. “Then let’s not hide. Not from each other, at least.”

In the Shadows: The Secret Spaces

Their love didn’t disappear—it just grew in smaller places.

In backstage corners, they’d pass each other tiny folded notes.

Inside were messages like:

“You were incredible today. I couldn’t look away.”

“Your voice in the pre-chorus made my heart stutter.”

“One day we won’t have to whisper.”

At night, they’d sneak onto the rooftop of the dorm again, wrapped in each other’s arms under the stars, never saying too much, never needing to.

Every stolen minute was precious. Every shared laugh, a rebellion.

Fan Events: The Pressure Builds

During their first fan sign event, BamBam sat beside Yetao. Cameras flashed. Fans lined up with albums and shy smiles. It should’ve been harmless.

But someone slid a note across the table.

"You two should stay professional. This isn't a love story."

BamBam read it. Smiled politely. Passed it to Yetao without a word.

Later, in the van, Yetao read it again. His eyes darkened.

“Do you think… we’re making a mistake?” he asked softly.

BamBam reached over and took his hand. “If love is a mistake, then I’ve never wanted to be right.”

And Yetao smiled—tired, but real. “Then let’s keep making it. Together.”

A Quiet Escape

A few days later, they got one day off.

They didn’t tell anyone where they were going. No cameras, no staff, no stylists. Just two hoodies, two masks, and a rented scooter.

They rode out of the city toward the coast, wind rushing around them like freedom.

There, on a quiet beach where no one knew their names, they walked barefoot in the sand, hands brushing, then linking.

“I wish we could live like this,” Yetao said.

“One day,” BamBam replied. “When the stage lights dim and the world gets quiet… I’ll still choose you.”

The sun dipped low, casting golden light across the water. And there, with salt in the air and no eyes on them, they kissed again. Not like a secret.

Like a promise.

Later that night: A Song Begins

Back at the dorm, BamBam sat at his keyboard, Yetao beside him.

“I’ve been writing something,” he said, fingers moving over the keys.

A soft melody filled the room—warm, yearning, full of something unspoken.

“I want it to be ours,” BamBam said. “A song no one hears. Just us.”

Yetao smiled, picking up a pen, adding lyrics in both Korean and Mandarin.

Even if the lights go out…

Even if no one claps…

I’d still reach for you in the dark…

and find home in your voice.

They didn’t need a stage for this performance.

This was their own debut. A quieter one.

One that lived between notes, between heartbeats, between two boys who found love in a world that told them not to.

To be continued...

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