Part 5: Almost Seen

Title: Debuting Into Love

Part 5: Almost Seen

The days blurred into a rhythm of rehearsals, interviews, and performances.

Eclipse was on fire.

They were already being called the next-generation supergroup, and yet—while the world celebrated their success—BamBam and Yetao walked a tightrope of secrets, balancing fame in one hand and love in the other.

Only a few people knew the truth.

Even fewer truly understood it.

But secrets, like sparks, are always moments away from catching fire.

One Morning: A Camera Flash Too Many

It happened fast.

They had finished a music show taping and left the building through the underground garage—hoods up, heads down, masks on. As usual.

But someone was waiting. A paparazzi.

The moment Yetao reached for BamBam’s hand—just for comfort, just for warmth—a camera flash lit up the shadows like lightning.

Click.

They both froze.

By the time they turned around, the photographer was gone.

BamBam’s heart slammed against his chest. “Did you see his face?”

“No,” Yetao whispered. “Do you think he got—?”

“I don’t know.”

They stood in silence, the air between them suddenly heavy with dread.

That night, they didn’t meet on the rooftop.

That night, they didn’t send texts.

They just waited.

And hoped.

Two Days Later: The Leak

It hit social media first—grainy, blurred, but unmistakable. Two silhouettes in matching hoodies. One hand reaching out, fingers gently laced.

“Is this BamBam and Hu Yetao? Holding hands?!”

“That has to be them… Look at their height, the shoes, the schedule…”

“Maybe it’s fan service?”

“This would be career suicide if true.”

The comments flooded in like rain—some curious, some cruel, some dangerously supportive.

Then the worst came.

#BamTaoExposed began trending.

Company Response

A meeting was called immediately.

Yetao sat beside BamBam in the cold conference room, his fingers clenched into fists.

The CEO looked tired, older than he had two weeks ago.

“We can’t confirm it’s you. But people think it is. That’s the problem.”

BamBam’s jaw tensed. “So, what do you want from us?”

“Distance. For now. Don’t fan the flames. Let it fade.”

Yetao spoke up, voice quiet but strong. “So, hide.”

The executive didn’t respond.

BamBam stood. “We’re not denying anything. But we’ll keep it professional on stage.”

“Good,” the CEO said. “Because the company can only protect you up to a point. Beyond that, it’s survival.”

Back at the Dorm

The silence between them was heavier than any argument.

Yetao sat on his bed, staring at his phone. “Maybe we should take space. Just for now.”

“No,” BamBam said instantly. “I can’t go back to pretending nothing’s happening. You’re not a mistake I regret. You’re the one thing that feels real in this whole machine.”

“But what if we’re risking everything? Eclipse. The fans. The team…”

BamBam crossed the room, kneeling in front of him. “Look at me.”

Yetao did.

“We are not a threat. We are not scandal. We’re love. That has value. Even if people aren’t ready.”

Yetao’s eyes filled. “Then let’s fight for it.”

BamBam took his hand. “Together.”

The Performance That Changed Everything

They stepped onto the stage for a fan broadcast two days later. Rumors still swirled. Hashtags still trended.

The staff watched them like hawks.

But when the spotlight hit, they didn’t hold back.

In the duet section, where their hands usually hovered just short of touching, this time they touched—fingers grazing for just a second. Just enough to say:

“Yes, it’s real. And no, we’re not sorry.”

The fans noticed.

And for the first time—something incredible happened.

The cheers got louder.

Later That Night:

In the dark, on the rooftop once more, BamBam looked out at the city lights. “Do you hear that?”

“What?”

“That silence. That peace. We weren’t destroyed.”

Yetao leaned against him, resting his head on BamBam’s shoulder. “No. We debuted again today. Just… more honestly.”

BamBam smiled. “Yeah. And maybe one day, we won’t need shadows or secret notes or rooftop escapes.”

Yetao looked up at him. “One day?”

BamBam kissed him, slow and full of promise.